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Money Advice and Budgeting Service

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020

Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Ceisteanna (39)

Claire Kerrane

Ceist:

39. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if the enhancement of the role of MABS has been examined to help families deal with unsecured household debt; if she has engaged with stakeholders on the issue of household debt arising from Covid-19; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19004/20]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS), under the aegis of the Citizens Information Board, provides assistance to people, in particular those on low incomes who are over-indebted and need help and advice with debt problems.  As part of its free, confidential and independent service, MABS also provides help and advice to those in mortgage arrears, and provides a range of services under Abhaile- the free service for individuals experiencing mortgage arears and at risk of losing their home.

During the COVID 19 pandemic, MABS services are available and it continues to offer money and debt advice service, including the Dedicated Mortgage Arrears service, to existing and new clients who may need assistance in dealing with household debt accumulated during this period.  Since 29th June, a small number of MABS local offices have reopened to the public where social distancing can be facilitated in line with current HSE Covid-19 public health advice and Return to Work Safely protocol. 

MABS have innovated in their service provision during COVID19.  The MABS Helpline is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm on 0761 07 2000 and MABS is providing its services by phone, email, and by videoconference, where face to face engagement is necessary or helpful.  A Covid-19 live feed has been created on the MABS website to share important financial information and developments and how they may affect the public.  A new "request a call back" and instant messaging service is also now available on the MABS.ie website where the public can request a call back from a MABS advisor, or engage directly with a MABS advisor.

Without doubt, the negative economic impact of the Covid-19 crisis will require our national personal insolvency system and solutions to be as robust and efficient as possible.  Debt resolution is one of the services that the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) provides.  The ISI was established in 2013 to deal with personal insolvency, and is under the remit of the Department of Justice and Equality.

The ISI aims to return people to solvency and full participation in social and economic activity.  It offers a range of debt solutions, including a regulated network of qualified professionals, that can help a person to reach a permanent debt solution with their creditor(s). Individuals who have issues with unsecured household debt and/or secured debt can access a network of qualified professionals that can assist them resolve these issues by reaching solutions with the relevant creditor.  The ISI encourages anyone with serious debt issues, including those impacted by the Covid-19 crisis to visit its dedicated website www.backontrack.ie  and avail of professional advice.

I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.

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