Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

Like my colleague Senator Hanafin, I welcome the IMF report, the encouraging aspects of it and that the views and comments of the Minister for Finance are in line with the IMF. The actions being taken by the Government in the marketplace seem to be correct, even though we are in uncharted waters. Many people are experiencing financial difficulties in this terrain. I have referred to the importance of making funds and credit available to small and medium-sized enterprises. I have made comments last week and this week and I will continue to do so until we make progress.

There is no structure similar to the money advice and budgeting service, MABS, which is another important area, for small and medium-sized enterprises. Can the Leader tell Members what support is in place for MABS? What type of waiting lists does it have? Is MABS satisfied that sufficient support exists to help it address the avalanche of cases before it? We understand that there has been an explosion of cases for MABS. It is important that we are satisfied that we are giving it sufficient support to respond to the need.