Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 September 2017
47. Deputy Joan Collins asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection her views on a submission (details supplied) from the MABS national management forum; her plans to deal with this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39656/17]
View answerIn February 2017, the Board of Citizens Information Board decided to restructure its governance arrangements to a regional model comprising sixteen companies, 8 CIS and 8 MABS companies. The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management, and governance of CIS and MABS service networks and service delivery standards and consistency. I know that CIB has not taken this operational decision lightly. It follows five years of analysis and consideration of options and extensive consultation with all stakeholders.
Since the Board’s decision, CIB has held regional consultations with representatives of the CIS and MABS networks. In May, 300 representatives of staff, management, and volunteers, as well as Chairpersons and representatives of local CIS and MABS services attended these sessions. Over the summer, 238 people attended 8 Focus Groups hosted by CIB, at which service delivery strategy, board structures, linkages and staff roles under the new sixteen company model were discussed. I understand the CIB plans to hold a further Focus Group on Volunteers in October.
Any suggestions regarding proposals for alternative governance models are a matter for the Board of CIB.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
