Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 24 Jun 2003

Vol. 569 No. 3

Written Answers. - Money Advice and Budgetary Service.

Michael Ring

Question:

426 Mr. Ring asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reasoning behind the discontinuation of funding for the west region development officer of MABS; the implications this will have in relation to the services being carried out on a local basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17645/03]

Paul Connaughton

Question:

429 Mr. Connaughton asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the reason she has withdrawn funding to pay the salary of a professional co-ordinator for the Money Advice and Budgetary Service in Tuam, County Galway, and other areas in the west of Ireland; if her attention has been drawn to the excellent services given by MABS to low income families and others who encounter financial difficulties; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [17765/03]

Minister for Social and Family Affairs (Mary Coughlan)

I propose to take Questions No. 426 and 426 together.

During 2001 three pilot regional development officer, RDO, posts were created in the western, eastern and midland regions as part of the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, MABS. These were to operate for a period of one year during which an evaluation would take place. The primary function of the RDOs was to examine the need for networking, support and policy development support to MABS projects in their regions and to consider how best that might be delivered. Funding for the three RDO posts will be discontinued with effect from 1 July 2003 when the period planned for these pilot schemes is up.

In accordance with the recommendations of an evaluation report on the three pilot RDO posts, my Department is in the process of setting up arrangements at national level to address all of the issues and needs of management and staff throughout the country. I am aware of the excellent service given by the MABS offices throughout the country, primarily to people on low incomes and to those in receipt of social welfare. This development will not hinder or interrupt the day to day services being carried out in the 52 MABS offices throughout the country. My intention is to enhance those services.