Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 110: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs her views on families falling into the hands of money lenders as a result of the Christmas bonus cuts. [40671/09]

Mary Hanafin (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)
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Each year the Government makes a decision on the payment of the Christmas bonus having regard to the prevailing economic circumstances. This year it has been necessary for the Government to take steps to reduce overall public expenditure so as to restore order and stability to the public finances.

In this context, the decision was made that the Christmas bonus would not be paid in 2009. The decision was announced in the April 2009 Supplementary Budget to give people advance notice so that they could adjust their finances accordingly.

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 role of money advisors is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. The MABS is now dealing with increasingly complex debt situations in respect of clients who are presenting with multiple creditors/debts. It is important that people coping with debt difficulties take early action and approach MABS for help and guidance. This can be the first positive step for people in addressing debt problems.

MABS operates from 65 locations throughout the country and can be contacted either through a National Telephone Helpline or a website. The Government is providing almost €18 million this year to MABS to enable them to assist people with managing their finances and coping with debt problems. Currently an additional 19 staff are being recruited for the MABS and this will bring money advice staff to over 270 around the country. This will assist the local services in managing their increased caseloads.