Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Labour)
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Question 189: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the funding provided to the money advice and budgeting service for direct financial assistance for their clients in each of the past three years; and the criteria for the way this funding is allocated. [16930/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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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 employing some 250 money advice staff 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.

MABS money advisors focus on providing assistance, advice and intense support to people who have financial difficulties. They do not pay debts or provide any funds to clients. The money advisor works out a budget, negotiates on behalf of the client with all creditors to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of the 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. Money Advisors provide ongoing support to people who successfully overcome their financial difficulties.