Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 333: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to further enhance the Money Advice and Budgeting Service by the establishment, under legislation, of a new structure with national leadership for the 21st century. [18598/08]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 334: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the progress made in regard to the commitment given in the Programme for Government to give the Money Advice and Budgeting Service a central role in increasing access to affordable credit for low income earners and social welfare customers. [18599/08]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 333 and 334 together.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) is the main Government funded service which provides assistance to people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems.

The MABS has a unique and expert contribution to make in meeting the needs of people with debt difficulties in today's society. This includes promoting greater awareness about household budgeting and shaping the strategies especially those of services providers, such as the banks and the credit unions, to ensure greater financial inclusion in Ireland. The MABS continues to work closely with the Financial Regulator in developing initiatives in this regard. For example the MABS and the Financial Regulator have developed an education programme on money management for Transition Year students which will be rolled out to 120 schools from September 2008.

My Department is currently considering how best to progress the commitment in the Programme for Government.