Michelle Mulherin (Mayo, Fine Gael)
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Question 57: To ask the Minister for Social Protection when, in what manner and on what terms additional staff will be recruited for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14674/12]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, assists people who are over-indebted and need help and advice in coping with debt problems. They provide an excellent service, in particular to those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments.

There are 53 independent MABS companies with voluntary boards of management employing some 277 money advice staff, operating nationwide. 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. In 2012 funding of some €18 million has been provided to support the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).

In December 2011 sanction was received from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for the retention of 12 temporary posts within the MABS network for a further two year period.

The resources for MABS will be kept under review in consultation with the CIB.