Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 179: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the increase in funding that has been given by her to the Money and Budgeting Advisory Service in 2011; the fees being charged to MABS by the Citizens Information Board for 2011; if these have increased over 2010 and the amount of same; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [10348/11]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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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.

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 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and the MABS website can be accessed 24 hours a day at www.mabs.ie . Some 90% of clients presenting to MABS are assisted through the telephone helpline, which provides assisted self-help to ensure clients take steps to assess and address their situation.

Responsibility for MABS transferred to the Citizen Information Board (CIB) in July 2009. There is no fee charged to MABS by CIB, rather CIB are the funding body for all MABS companies. In 2010, the CIB allocated a total budget of some €18.2m for the delivery of money advice and budgeting services and this figure was increased to €18.3m in 2011.

I am satisfied that MABS provides a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.