I propose to take Questions Nos. 1981 and 1982 together.
The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for providing information, advice (including money and budgeting advice service) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. CIB delivers on this remit through a network of delivery partners, which includes 51 local Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) and 42 local Citizens Information Services (CIS). In 2017, CIB is set to receive State funding of €54 million, of which €15 million is allocated to CIS services, and €24 million is allocated to the network of MABS services.
Extensive consultation on the proposed restructuring of governance arrangements has taken place over a number of years since CIB commissioned a feasibility study to identify options for organisational integration of its delivery partners. The work, carried out by Pathfinder, approached the study with a firm focus on detailed consultations with all stakeholders including local services, representative bodies, local boards, staff and in the case of CIS’s, volunteers.
In September 2014, Pathfinder presented four options to the Board of CIB. Feedback was received from the delivery partner services and channelled through the National Association of Citizens Information Services, the representative body for Citizens Information Services; the National Management Forum; and National Executive Committee, the representative bodies for management and staff of the MABS companies. In October 2014, the Board of CIB heard submissions from all three representative bodies.
The decision that change was needed in the structure of delivery partner companies was confirmed by the Board of CIB at its November 2014 meeting. This is recorded in the Register of Board decisions. The Board also agreed that a Design Group be tasked with presenting options on new organisational models for its consideration. The work of the Design Group took place in 2015 and recommended restructuring on a regional model basis. In October 2016, having reviewed the output of the Design Group, the Board decided to proceed with restructuring on a regional model basis. This is also recorded in the Register of Board decisions. The Board established a Restructuring Sub Committee to progress this work and report back to the Board of CIB in January 2017.
On 15th February 2017, following detailed discussion on the Report of the Restructuring Sub-Committee, the Board of CIB decided to adopt the Report and proceed with its implementation. The new governance model referred to in the Report comprises of eight regions with eight MABS companies and eight CIS companies. The adoption of the Report, containing the eight region model recommendation, is noted in the minutes and recorded in the Register of Board decisions.
The decision taken by the statutory Board of CIB comes after a lengthy period of consultation and detailed consideration of the options and views put forward at all stages. I am confident that the membership of the Board of CIB, which comprises experienced and competent individuals, representative of a broad spectrum of interests and which includes representatives of the Citizens Information Service and Money Advice and Budgeting Service, has made this important decision in the best interests of the citizens of Ireland, whom the Board serves.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
