Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)
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10. To ask the Minister for Social Protection the role of the Money Advisory Bureau under the new personal insolvency regime; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18939/13]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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MABS, which comes within the remit of the Citizens Information Board, provides a high quality service which assists people who are over-indebted or in danger of over-indebtedness, in particular those on low incomes. In 2013 some €19 million has been allocated to fund MABS while the Citizens Information Board has a budget of some €47.4 million. The CIB and MABS National Development Limited are working closely to ensure that the appropriate structures are in place within MABS to implement this new and important statutory role. They have also engaged proactively with the Insolvency Service to ensure that the Approved Intermediary Service is fully operational in time for the establishment of the Insolvency Service. The Personal Insolvency Act 2012 provides for a Debt Relief Notice (DRN) for persons with no assets or income with unsecured debts of up to €20,000. With the assistance of an Approved Intermediary, a person may apply for a DRN which will allow for the full write-off of qualifying unsecured debt after a three year supervision period.The Citizens Information Board (CIB), which has the statutory responsibility for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) has agreed to my request that MABS be an Approved Intermediary for the purpose of processing applications for Debt Relief Notices. Those who can avail of DRNs are typically part of the MABS core client cohort of people on low incomes in debt or in danger of falling into debt.

I am satisfied that MABS will play an important role in the new arrangements for dealing with debt and will continue to provide a high quality personal service to assist people in overcoming their indebtedness and managing their finances.