Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent)
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Question 1163: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the level of funding provided to an organisation (details supplied) in each year for the past five years; the level given to each location of that organisation; if, in view of the fact that there has been an increase in the demand for services in that time, he will provide an increase for the recruitment of additional personnel; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [1660/07]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent companies nation-wide operating the service. MABS National Development Ltd was set up in 2004 to support and develop the network of services throughout the country. Many voluntary and statutory bodies such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the Community Welfare Service, Citizens' Information Centres, Centres for the Unemployed and local authorities work closely with the programme. The credit union movement has been a key partner in MABS since its inception and its involvement and support is central to the development and success of the service.

In 2006, MABS provided services to some 12,300 new clients. The number of active cases at the end of the year was 14,600. The demand for the service can be attributed to the increase in the availability of credit generally and to the quality of the service provided by MABS advisors. The MABS is highly regarded and successful in meeting the needs of its clients.

There are some 230 staff employed at present by MABS companies throughout the MABS network. The requirement for additional staff by individual services is kept under review by my Department. In 2006, €16.4 million was provided to fund the MABS representing an increase of 20% on the previous year mainly in respect of additional staff costs. In 2007, I have further increased the annual allocation to €17.64 million to assist with the increasing workload.

I plan to bring proposals to the Government shortly to establish the MABS on a statutory basis. My proposals for legislation aim to build on best features of the MABS model of service to the public. The proposals will combine a continuation of local voluntary involvement with strong national leadership and ensure a high quality, coordinated budgeting and advice service for the future, in particular for people on low incomes.

They will take account of best practice in corporate governance for a customer focused service that provides value for money for the taxpayer's investment and meets the challenges posed by the rapidly changing face of debt in 21st century Ireland.

The Tables details the amount of funding allocated to MABS in each year since 2002 and the funding provided to each MABS company in the same period.