Ken O'Flynn (Cork North-Central, Independent Ireland Party)
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1368. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection the details of measures being considered to address the emotional and mental health impacts of debt stress on older people facing insolvency; and whether additional counselling supports will be funded through MABS or other services. [45604/25]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), funded by the Citizens Information Board (CIB), a statutory body under the aegis of my Department, is the State’s money advice service and provides assistance to people, in particular those on low income or dependent on social welfare supports, who are over-indebted. As part of its free services, MABS also provides support to those in mortgage arrears and is an administrator of Abhaile - the national State funded Mortgage Arrears Resolution Service.

MABS is a free, independent, confidential and non- judgmental money advice and budgeting service for all members of the public. MABS Money Advisers provide non-judgemental, empathetic support to work holistically with clients, understanding that financial difficulties can impact mental and emotional health. For older people who may be on fixed incomes and face additional pressures such as health issues, the stress of insolvency can be difficult. MABS Money Advisers take the time to listen and help clients feel less alone in their situation.

MABS Money Advisers work with clients who may have difficulties with a wide range of personal debts including personal loans, mortgages, credit card debt, catalogue debts, debts to legal money lenders and hire purchases. MABS provide in-person support to help a person complete a household budget. Maximising a persons’ income is a key part of this support in terms of ensuring that the person is receiving all of the entitlements relevant to them, for example a medical card and relevant social welfare payments.

In addition, support is provided by advocating and negotiating directly with creditors such as utility companies and financial institutions on behalf of the client.

MABS does not offer psychological counselling, it instead refers clients to relevant mental health and counselling services, where appropriate. The service plays a vital role in supporting the emotional wellbeing of older people in debt through compassionate guidance, financial clarity and appropriate referrals.

MABS comprises eight regional companies and each company has the flexibility to allocate resources appropriately in response to emerging customer needs. In 2025, my Department has provided funding of €17.35m to the eight regional MABS companies. MABS clients in each region have access to all MABS services and can contact any money advisor in that region about their case by phone, email, online chat or video conferencing.