Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 306: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if additional human resources are to be allocated to the money advice and budgeting service to cope with unprecedented demands on the service; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34544/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in July 2009. There are 51 MABS companies providing money advice to clients operating from 65 locations around the country, as well as the National Traveller MABS which operates on a national basis. In addition, MABS National Development Limited (NDL) is funded by the CIB to provide a national support and development service to local MABS companies. Its functions include technical support for staff and the provision of focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services.

In view of the continuing demand for MABS support, last year an additional 19 money advisers were appointed to MABS companies throughout the country. They have been fully trained in the application of money advice work and the relevant codes and legislation relating to mortgage debt. The Citizens Information Board continues to keep supports provided to money advisors and the provision of resources, including human resources, to MABS companies under ongoing review. I am satisfied that the Money Advice and Budgeting Service are providing a high quality service to assist people locally and that the CIB is adequately resourced to support these services.

Seán Sherlock (Cork East, Labour)
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Question 307: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if he is satisfied that employees of the money advice and budgeting service have received sufficient training to negotiate with banks and other financial institutions on behalf of those who are experiencing mortgage difficulties and in personal debt arrears; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34545/10]

Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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The MABS money advisers focus on providing assistance, advice and intense support to people with financial difficulties. The money adviser works out a budget and negotiates on behalf of the client with all creditors, including financial institutions and sub-prime lenders, to secure better terms for the client in managing the repayment of their debts. Where required by the client, the money adviser can assist with setting up a special account with a local Credit Union into which an agreed amount of money is lodged regularly and from which each month the money adviser makes the repayments to the creditors on behalf of the client.

The provision of advice and support by MABS in relation to all consumer debt types, including mortgage arrears, require a deep knowledge and understanding of money management, consumer debt and financial services as well as knowledge and understanding of social protection supports and services. Focused training programmes designed to equip money advice staff and local management boards to meet the demands on the services are provided by a dedicated training unit in MABS NDL, the national support company. The core training programme for money advisers includes consumer legislation, technical aspects of income maximization and dealing with different types of debts. In addition training on mediation skills and ability to communicate effectively with creditors is also provided.

The Citizens Information Board, who has responsibility for MABS, continues to monitor the training needs of MABS employees to ensure a high quality service is provided. I am satisfied that MABS provides a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances. I am confident that the money advisors are trained and equipped to deliver this important service to the members of the public who require it.