Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

I urge the Minister to do that immediately. People will encounter difficulties down the line. It is wrong that people's payments for an entire month are going to these companies, rather than towards the repayment of the debts that got them into trouble in the first place. The huge waiting lists for MABS - of up to three months in some areas - are causing people to get into bigger difficulties. Is the Minister satisfied that the 12 full-time posts are sufficient? Can she comment on the Comptroller and Auditor General's report on the number of cases being dealt with by MABS personnel each week? The report seems to contradict my experience, which is based on my conversations with the staff of MABS. I respect the work done by the Comptroller and Auditor General in his report, which is generally fairly correct. I would like to hear the Minister's views on these matters.

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