Brendan Griffin (Kerry South, Fine Gael)
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Question 216: To ask the Minister for Social Protection her plans to introduce new legislation to enhance the role of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25677/11]

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 Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2008 provided for the transfer of responsibility for MABS to the Citizens Information Board (CIB), under the aegis of my Department, in July 2009 in order to provide strong management support to the local voluntary MABS companies.

The future role of MABS is currently under consideration in line with commitments in the Programme for Government and recommendations contained in the reports of the Law Reform Commission on Personal Debt Management and Debt Enforcement, and the Expert Group on Mortgage Arrears and Personal Debt. In addition, my Department is contributing to the Economic Management Council mortgage arrears working group, chaired by the Department of Finance, which is due to report shortly. Further to the outcomes of these deliberations, the introduction or amendment of legislation in respect of MABS will be examined, as necessary, to support any enhanced role which may emerge.

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