Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)
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Question 87: To ask the Minister for Social Protection the position regarding his programme for Government commitment to convert the Money Advice and Budgeting Service into a strengthened personal debt management agency with strong legal powers. [27660/11]

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.

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 the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) transferred to the Citizens Information Board (CIB) in 2009 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 has contributed to the Economic Management Council mortgage arrears working group, chaired by the Department of Finance, which is due to report shortly.

I will be examining the contents of this report to identify to extent to which commitments contained therein will influence the future direction of MABS.

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.