The Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has statutory responsibility for the Citizens Information Services (CIS) and the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), decided in February 2017 to restructure the governance arrangements of these services to an 8 region model. The Board’s decision will change the structure from 93 individual local CIS and MABS company boards to sixteen regional company boards, 8 CIS and 8 MABS.
The changes are being made at local company board level only. The valuable work carried out by those employed by CIS and MABS services and those who volunteer in CIS cervices will continue as heretofore. There will be no job losses for those working in the services, no diminution of existing services, no closures of service delivery points, and crucially, no disruption to services for those who use them.
CIB has taken this decision following years of analysis of options and a detailed consultation period with all stakeholders on the need for a more streamlined governance model.
The first phase of CIB’s implementation of its new governance arrangements is underway in South Dublin, North Leinster (Kildare, Longford, Louth, Meath and Westmeath) and South Munster (Cork & Kerry). It is the intention of CIB to provide information and support through the transitional period. Information sessions are being organised for Chairpersons of local services, providing an opportunity for Chairpersons to seek clarifications on the process of transfer to the new regional companies and wind up of the existing companies.
Implementation of the new governance arrangements is expected to take up to two years to complete, with an estimated net cost to the Exchequer of €4.1 million in present values, over 8 years. Initial set up costs are estimated to be €1.94 million.
The aim of the change is to improve the effectiveness of the control environment, financial management and governance of CIS and MABS networks, which are 100% State-funded. It is also about consolidating managerial and administrative efforts, focussing on front line service delivery to citizens, improving the consistency and quality of service delivery and, where possible, extending services for those who rely on them.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
