Vol. 549 No. 3
78 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs his views on the fact that the legislation putting MABS on a statutory basis has not been placed before the Oireachtas to date in the 28th Dáil; and his further views on whether lack of access to credit remains a problem for low-income families. [6623/02]
As the Deputy is aware, it is planned to put the MABS on a legislative footing. This will give formal recognition in legislation to the MABS as it is working and as it has worked so well over the past years and is 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. The preparation of the legislation has necessarily involved consultation with the MABS National Advisory Committee, comprising representatives of all MABS stakeholders. The draft Bill is currently with parliamentary counsel in the Attorney General's office and it is hoped that it will be published shortly.
