Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 30 May 2000

Vol. 520 No. 1

Written Answers. - Money Advice and Budgeting Service.

Emmet Stagg

Question:

46 Mr. Stagg asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs when he will introduce the promised legislation to put the money advice and budgeting service on a statutory basis; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [15010/00]

Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs (Mr. D. Ahern)

My Department has been directly involved in activities to tackle the problems of moneylending and overindebtedness since 1988 and has been funding the Money Advice and Budgeting Service programme since 1992. By the end of 1999 the Department was supporting 50 MABS projects, thereby providing a service countrywide.

The local projects, funded by the Department and managed by a committee drawn from local voluntary and statutory services and community groups, operate in partnership with other relevant agencies. The projects are independent information and advice providers, rooted in the local community.

The MABS budget has grown from £260,000, six projects, in 1992 to £4,542,000, 50 projects in 2000. The successes of the service are clear to see. I am satisfied that the time has now come to go one step further and establish the MABS on a statutory basis. This is about giving formal recognition in legislation to the MABS as it is working and as it has worked so well over the past years and not about changing the key features and advantages of the service as currently structured. I want to enhance and support the autonomous nature, the voluntary management and the sense of community ownership of the independent local MABS projects, while establishing a formal legislative basis for their continued funding, support and development into the future.

I should stress that my Department will consult with the MABS National Advisory Committee, comprising representatives of all MABS stakeholders, in determining the precise form of proposals for legislation in this area.

I expect to be in a position to submit proposals for Government approval by the end of the summer with a view to publication of a Bill in early 2001.