Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 10 November 2004
136 Ms Shortall asked the Minister for Social and Family Affairs the number of persons using the money advice and budgeting service; the numbers of MABS centres and their location; if he has satisfied himself that the budget provided to MABS is adequate to allow it to function efficiently; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28225/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraIn 2003, the money advice and budgeting service provided services to approximately 16,000 new clients and had more than 13,000 active cases at any one time. The number of new clients has increased from 9,000 in 2001 and 12,000 in 2002. An average of 1,700 persons per month visit the MABS website at www.mabs.ie.
There are 52 MABS companies throughout the country with a total of 65 offices including outreach facilities. Each county has at least one MABS company, with the larger counties such as Galway, Tipperary, Mayo, Cork and Donegal having two or more. Due to its large population Dublin city and county has 17 MABS centres. There are 130 money advisers and 80 administrative staff working in the MABS. Provision has been made for a budget of more than €11 million for MABS in 2004.
I am satisfied that the budget provided to MABS is sufficient to enable it to function adequately. The MABS budget since the inception of the scheme has always been sufficient to ensure that the service could develop to its present level and to ensure that all reasonable requests for funding received from MABS companies can be considered. This year's level of funding represents an increase of 15% on the level of funding allowed for the year 2003.
A recent evaluation found that over 90% of those questioned were positively disposed towards the service. This included clients, community and voluntary bodies, the finance industry and statutory creditors. The evaluation also found that two thirds of the caseload consisted of female clients. Just over half were aged between 25 and 44 years and one third were aged over 45 years. A small proportion were aged under 25 years. Approximately 70% were receiving some form of social welfare payment.
The overall conclusion was that the MABS has proven itself a worthwhile intervention with a strong rationale for its continuation.
