Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry South, Independent)
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Question 312: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the latest support she has given to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in view of the concerns expressed by the organisation that it is being swamped with requests for advice; her views on the increasing levels of personal debt among families here and if the structures and organisation of MABS require reform to cope with these new circumstances; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15202/11]

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.

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.

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. As well as funding, the CIB also provides management support to ensure services are delivered effectively. The Board, of which you are currently a member, is keenly aware of the increased client demand for money advice services and the growing complexity of cases being dealt with by money advisors, particularly in relation to mortgage debt and multiple debt situations.

As you will also be aware the Board 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 are being considered in this context and in the context of proposals in relation to non-judicial debt settlement arrangements. A position paper in relation to these proposals and their implications for MABS has been requested and is currently being finalised by the Board of CIB. On receipt, I will give due consideration to the Board's submission.