Anthony Lawlor (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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96. To ask the Minister for Social Protection if additional funding will be provided to the Money Advice and Budgeting Service in view of the Government's announcement to strengthen the service's role, as a part of a suite of measures to address mortgage arrears; if so, if she will provide details of funding increases; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19733/15]

Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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The Citizens Information Board (CIB) is the statutory body responsible for providing information, advice (including money and budgeting advice service) and advocacy services on a wide range of public and social services. CIB delivers on this remit through a network of delivery partners which includes 51 local Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS) and 42 local Citizens Information Services (CIS). In 2015 the CIB has been allocated a budget of €46m of which some €17.9 million is allocated to the MABS network of companies.

Proposals are being developed at present with a view to ensuring that MABS will play a greater role in offering information, advice and assistance to mortgage holders in arrears. Additional services to provide assistance in identifying the best options, completing financial statements and considering proposed solutions will be rolled out by MABS offices on a phased basis, following a process of engagement between the Citizens Information Board, MABS and other relevant stakeholders. This will ensure that mortgage holders in arrears have access to information on the range of supports and options available, advice on the ones most suited to their needs, and assistance in pursuing such options, where necessary.