Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 11 July 2017
771. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Social Protection if the planned dissolution and replacement of the Citizens Information services falls under the first part of the board's prescribed function, as prescribed in section 7 of the Comhairle Act 2000 (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32938/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy is aware, the Citizens Information Board (CIB) has statutory responsibility for Citizens Information Services (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS). The functions of the Board are set out in Section 7 of the Comhairle Act, 2000, as amended.
Under the legislation, the Board can directly provide, or support the provision of, independent information, advice (including money advice and budgeting) and advocacy services so as to ensure that individuals have access to accurate, comprehensive and clear information relating to social services and are referred to the relevant services.
Currently, the Board provides financial support for the delivery of these services to a network of ninety three individual local companies. The Board’s decision to change the number of local service delivery partner companies to sixteen regional companies, eight CIS and eight MABS, is an operational decision of the Board relating to how it shall discharge the statutory functions conferred on it.
The changes will bring CIS and MABS organisations more into line with modern public service governance guidelines and requirements where significant State funding is involved. The reduced company structure will better assist CIB in the fulfilment of its statutory obligations, its compliance with the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies, and implementation of recommendations of the Office of the Comptroller and Auditor General.
I am satisfied that existing legislation, together with compliance requirements of the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies, underpin the Board’s decision to re-organise the governance arrangements of its service delivery partner companies in the manner set out.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
