Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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147. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any cuts to staffing or to the allocation to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service office in Clondalkin, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32699/13]

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, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments.

In 2013, the Citizens Information Board has been allocated a budget of approximately €47.5 million of which some €19 million has been assigned to MABS. In 2012 the corresponding allocation was €46.8 million and €18.3 million respectively.

Clondalkin MABS covers all of the Clondalkin area and in addition has outreach offices at Lucan and Neilstown. The offices of Clondalkin MABS (Unit 5, The Village Centre, Clondalkin, Dublin 22) are open 5 days a week from 9 to 4.. The outreach services both operate two days a week. There are currently no plans to decrease staffing levels or the grant allocation to Clondalkin MABS.

The Money, Advice and Budgeting Service also operates a national helpline, telephone 0761 07 2000, which provides a comprehensive and confidential information service on all aspects of money management and personal debt to people throughout the country, Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm. The MABS website, provides information and advice on all aspects of money management and dealing with debt.

Séamus Kirk (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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148. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if she is aware of any cuts to staffing or to the allocation to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service office in Tallaght, Dublin; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [32700/13]

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, in particular those on low incomes and people living on social welfare payments.

In 2013, the Citizens Information Board has been allocated a budget of approximately €47.5 million of which some €19 million has been assigned to MABS. In 2012 the corresponding allocation was €46.8 million and €18.3 million respectively.

Tallaght MABS is one of the longest established of the 51 local MABS in Ireland, operating since 1995. It covers all of Tallaght and parts of Saggart and Blessington. The offices at High Street in Tallaght are open five days a week from 9am to 4pm. There are currently no plans to decrease staffing levels or the grant allocation to Tallaght MABS.

The Money, Advice and Budgeting Service also operates a national helpline, telephone 0761 07 2000, which provides a comprehensive and confidential information service on all aspects of money management and personal debt to people throughout the country, Monday to Friday from 9am to 8pm. The MABS website, provides information and advice on all aspects of money management and dealing with debt.