Ray Butler (Meath West, Fine Gael)
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Question 299: To ask the Minister for Social Protection if additional staff resources will be made available to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in County Meath as a result of the increase in demand they have been experiencing due to the economic situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15028/11]

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 advisors 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.

The focus of MABS is in ensuring clients get the level of support they need and as such client assessments and effective case management are important components of the overall approach. During any 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. In this context MABS highlights the importance of creditors proactively working with their customers to resolve arrears difficulties at an early stage.

The Citizens Information Board (CIB), who has responsibility for MABS, is aware of the increased client demand for MABS services and the growing complexity of cases being dealt with by money advisors, particularly in relation to mortgage debt and multiple debt situations. The CIB are currently reviewing the processes being used by MABS companies with a view to reducing waiting times, taking account of service capacity across the network of companies. The staffing issues for individual MABS companies are being considered in this context and in the context of the increased demand for services throughout the country, and the financial resources available.

In 2010, the Citizens Information Board (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 the resources made available to the Citizens Information Board and the strong management support provided by CIB to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service will ensure that services are delivered effectively.