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Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 4 Dec 2002

Vol. 558 No. 5

Written Answers. - Family Support Services.

Mary Upton

Question:

112 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the steps she proposes to take to tackle the issues arising from illegal and exorbitant moneylending in view of the serious financial pressures on many families in the run-up to Christmas; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24662/02]

The regulation of moneylending is a matter for the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs which operates under the aegis of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment.

My Department has been involved for a number of years in activities to combat the problem of over-indebtedness through the money advice and budgeting service which was established in 1992. The number of money advice and budgeting service projects now stands at 52. A total of over €42 million has been provided to the service since 1992.
The key feature of the MABS programme is the provision of money advice. The service is targeted primarily at individuals and families who have problems with debt or moneylending and who are on low income or in receipt of social welfare. The service places an emphasis on practical, budget-based measures that will succeed in removing people permanently from dependence on moneylenders and open up alternative sources of low cost credit, mainly through the credit unions.
There is a growing level of debate on the impact of financial services, including credit and debt issues, on the living conditions of those on low incomes. The MABS programme contributes to, and informs this debate at, a broader level through the work of the MABS national advisory committee. This committee was established to advise on policy in relation to the MABS programme and on issues that impact on those affected by over-indebtedness.
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