Trevor Sargent (Dublin North, Green Party)
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Question 291: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs if he will report on his plans for the future development of the money advice and budgeting services which are funded by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12081/06]

Séamus Brennan (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS, provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need intensive help and advice in coping with debt problems. There are 52 independent companies nationwide operating the service and support is provided by MABS National Development Limited, a support company for the service. MABS was established on a pilot basis in 1992 and it has now grown to a countrywide service with a budget of €16.41 million.

The programme provides money advice to individuals and families who have problems with debt and who are on low income or in receipt of social welfare payments. It places an emphasis on practical budget-based measures that help people to move permanently from dependence on moneylenders and to access alternative sources of low cost credit, particularly in their local credit union. Many voluntary and statutory bodies such as the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, the community welfare service, credit unions, citizens' information centres, centres for the unemployed, the clergy, Garda, and local authorities work closely with the programme.

In November 2005 I informed the MABS national advisory committee that I intended to review the MABS Bill 2002 and invited each of the stakeholders to make submissions to me with a view to producing a more streamlined structure. I have already received a number of submissions. Consultation is continuing and I expect that it will conclude in the near future.

The support structure which now exists has been invaluable for management and staff and has been very effective in the areas of community education, social policy and communications. A national system with support at the local level is the direction for the future. The service at present is highly regarded and respected and it is important that this continues to be the case. I intend to have legislation enacted as early as possible following the conclusion of the necessary consultation with the various stakeholders.