Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 818: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which the Money Advice and Budgeting Service directly intervenes and negotiates with a lending institution on behalf of clients to secure better terms and more affordable repayments on home and car loans. [12283/09]

Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 819: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the extent to which the Money Advice and Budgeting Service directly intervenes and negotiates with life and home insurance providers on behalf of clients to secure better terms and more affordable premiums. [12284/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 818 and 819 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. There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday at lo-call number 1890 283 438 and budgeting and money management information can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie.There are now 252 money advice staff employed throughout the country in the MABS. Money Advisors focus on providing assistance, advice and support to people who have financial difficulties. They work out a budget suited to the individual or family.

They negotiate on behalf of clients with all creditors including banks, financial institutions, insurance companies, utility companies and credit unions to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the Money Advisor can assist with setting up a special account with their local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the Money Advisor makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client. The MABS also provide ongoing support to people who successfully overcome their financial difficulties.

The MABS advises that people coping with debt difficulties should take early action. An approach to the MABS, via any of the channels, can be the first positive step in addressing debt difficulties. The MABS provides a high quality personal service to members of the public that helps many in coping with and overcoming the burden of indebtedness that can have such an impact on their lives and that of their families.