Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

We all recognise the valuable work MABS does. Consulting MABS can be a very positive step for people and helps them overcome the difficulties they have in meeting and repaying their debt. MABS is also represented on the Legal Aid Board's consultative panel and the two organisations work well together. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform will deal with those issues tomorrow.

Tonight's debate has demonstrated there is a genuine concern among all Members for those people who are losing their jobs and that we are willing to see how we can meet their needs. We are doing that through additional staff, more stream-lined processing and through ensuring that we meet their needs through social welfare, community welfare officers or MABS as far as possible.

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