Éamon Ó Cuív (Galway West, Fianna Fail)
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1108. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if discussions are taking place to close an office (details supplied); when a decision will be made on this matter; if she has issued a direction to the board regarding its duty to provide services in the Irish language to the Gaeltacht community from offices in Gaeltacht areas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8945/20]

Regina Doherty (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, (CIB) provides assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes or living on social welfare payments, who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems. As part of its free services, MABS also provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears.

South Connacht MABS is one of 8 regional companies funded and supported by CIB,  which is responsible for providing a Money Advice and Budgeting Service extending across the three counties of Galway, Mayo and Roscommon. South Connacht MABS is governed  by a voluntary Board which aims to ensure that the provision of and access to MABS is consistent and equitable  across the entire region.

South Connacht MABS covers a large geographical area and the Board is considering how best to meet demand for its services in an equitable manner. I am advised that this is an issue for the Board of South Connacht MABS and my Department understands that a final decision has not yet been taken by the Board of South Connacht MABS.

I am further advised that South Connacht MABS is not a designated public body for the purposes of the Official Languages Act, 2003.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.