Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 June 2017
2089. Deputy Tony McLoughlin asked the Minister for Social Protection the cost of the recent Citizens Information Board consultations with the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, and citizens information services staff and companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28588/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn February 2017, the Board of Citizens Information Board (CIB) decided to change the governance model from ninety three local Citizens Information Services (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) companies to a new sixteen regional board model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies.
CIB has established an implementation group to progress the change. The group will have a local rolling membership element in order to harness the necessary skills and expertise as the regional structure is rolled out.
As part of its communications campaign, CIB undertook a series of 14 regional consultations during the month of May to examine and discuss some of the key aspects of implementing the new sixteen board model. The sessions were attended by 127 representatives of local company Boards and 223 representatives of management, staff and volunteers of local services. Each session was chaired by an independent facilitator. All attendees had an opportunity to raise any concerns they had about service delivery under the new model. CIB reports that the regional consultations were well received and there was considerable support for, and constructive discussion about, the change.
The regional consultation costs incurred by CIB amounted to €14,068. This includes €3,736 in respect of room hire costs at seven locations countrywide and independent facilitator costs of €10,332. Where incurred, the costs of travel and subsistence of attendees is borne by respective local CIS or MABS services, which are in turn entirely funded by CIB. Details of such costs in respect of individual companies are not readily available.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
