Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

The Minister said it takes four and a half weeks on average to get an appointment for a non-urgent case. If this is the average it means that some people are waiting a substantial period of time in some centres to avail of the services. What is the longest waiting time? How many people are waiting for such periods to access MABS? I am being told that MABS is oversubscribed and underfunded. Of the 19 advisers mentioned by the Minister, only five will be full-time advisers with the others providing their services on a part-time basis. Does the Minister believe it is acceptable for cash-strapped families to be faced with a bill of up to €3,000 to pay private debt advisers to provide them with a service that should be provided by MABS if the resources were made available?

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