Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The Citizens Information Board's proposal to reorganise the Money Advice & Budgeting Service, MABS, at eight regional centres across the State is causing a great deal of concern. As the Leader is probably aware, there are 51 MABS outlets throughout the country. As everybody in this Chamber knows, MABS provides a great service to people who find themselves in financial difficulties such as mortgage arrears or debts of various kinds. The local MABS offices constitute a vital link between the local community and the main MABS office. If this proposal is to proceed - we certainly hope it does not - that link would be destroyed, which would be an awful pity. Staff members are in limbo and are facing uncertainty because they do not know what the future holds for them. I suggest that the proposed reconfiguration of MABS would be yet another attack on rural Ireland. No part of the country would be more affected than rural Ireland by this negative proposal. I plead with the Leader to ask the relevant Minister to ensure this proposal does not go ahead. If it goes ahead, it will be an attack on rural Ireland and the individuals who live in rural Ireland.