Catherine Byrne (Dublin South Central, Fine Gael)
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Question 40: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the number of clients dealt with by the money advice and budgeting 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. [21630/10]

Shane McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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Question 44: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he will provide an update on the waiting times to access money advice and budgetary services money advisers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21673/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 40 and 44 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 advisors 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.

In 2005, MABS dealt with approximately 10,900 new clients. In 2006 the number was similar with 11,000 new clients seen by the service. This figure increased to 12,000 and 16,000 in 2007 and 2008 respectively. The number increased further to 19,000 in 2009. In the period January to April 2010 a total of 7,300 new clients have been seen by MABS 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 47,500 calls since its launch in October 2007. Some 10,000 calls have been dealt with to date this year, compared with 24,000 callers in 2009.

From first point of contact to first appointment with a money advisor the average waiting time is currently just over 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.