Joe Carey (Clare, Fine Gael)
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Question 66: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of clients dealt with by the Money Advice and Budgetary Service for each of the past five years; the number of new clients to date in 2010; the waiting time to access MABS services [15411/10]

John O'Mahony (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 114: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the waiting times to access Money Advice and Budgetary Service money advisers [15464/10]

Olwyn Enright (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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Question 658: To ask the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons dealt with by the Money Advice and Budgetery Service for each of the past five years; the number of new clients to date in 2010; the average waiting time to access MABS services; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15646/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 66, 114 and 658 together.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. The role of money advisers is to help clients to assess their financial situation, make a budget plan and deal with creditors. 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 difficulties.

There are 52 independent MABS companies operating the local MABS services from 65 locations throughout the country, with national support provided by the MABS NDL. In addition, the MABS National Telephone Helpline is available from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie.

In 2006, MABS dealt with 11,000 new clients. This increased to 12,000 and 16,000 in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The number increased further to 19,000 in 2009. Some 5,500 new clients have approached MABS this year which would indicate that the number of clients is broadly in line with the figures for 2009. In addition the MABS helpline has dealt some 45,000 calls since its launch in October 2007. Some 7,500 calls have been dealt with to date this year, compared with 24,000 callers in 2009.

Last year an additional 19 money advisers were recruited by MABS between September and December, bringing the number of MABS staff to over 270. The additional advisors have been appointed to MABS companies throughout the country.

From first point of contact to first appointment with a money adviser the average waiting time is currently approximately 4 weeks. This is the average nationally and there are fluctuations between offices. During the waiting period, clients are assessed and those in need of immediate assistance are given a priority appointment, others are provided with assisted self-help to ensure that they have taken steps to assess their situation and if appropriate they are supported to take holding action with their creditors.

I am satisfied that the additional resources provided to MABS will assist them to meet the demand for their services.