John Curran
Ceist:2478. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will report on the restructuring of MABS and CIS; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [33187/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 24 July 2018
Ceisteanna (2478)
Freagraí scríofa
The executive of the Citizens Information Board (CIB) is implementing the decision of the Board of CIB to reorganise the governance arrangements of ninety three individual local company boards, comprising 42 Citizens Information Services (CIS) and 51 Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS), to a new regionally based sixteen company model, comprising eight CIS and eight MABS companies.
The first phase of the implementation process completed on 16 April, 2018, has seen the establishment of 6 new companies - 3 CIS and 3 MABS, in North Leinster (comprising Longford, Louth, Meath, Westmeath and Kildare), South Munster (Cork and Kerry) and Dublin South.
All staff, assets and liabilities of the 38 local companies involved in this phase have transferred to the 6 new companies. Induction training for the 6 Regional Managers and governance training for the new Board members has been provided. There has been no change to service delivery points, no reduction in staffing, nor has there been any diminution of services for clients.
The final phase of implementation involving the remaining 55 companies is now underway and will result in the establishment of a further 10 regional companies - 5 CIS and 5 MABS. Similar to the arrangements which were put in place for the first phase, CIB organised information sessions for managers and board representatives on the implementation plan and the liquidation process and will continue to support each of the local companies and their Chairpersons and Boards throughout the transition process.
Recruitment of 10 Regional Managers has been completed and the recruitment of Directors for the regional boards is underway. As with Phase 1, appropriate training and guidance will be provided for staff and board members.
CIB remains committed to providing the highest quality of service and to the further development of CIS and MABS services for the citizens who rely on them.
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.