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Minister Brennan Press Release 10th anniversary of North Mayo MABS (5 Sept 2006)
Charleville MABS Winning Essay (12 May 2006)
Minister Brennan Press Release West Cork MABS and Charleville MABS (12 May 2006)
RTE Prime Time "Payment Protection Insurance" (21 Feb 2006)
Minister Says Strengthening And Streamlining Of Money Advice Service Will Equip It To Best Respond To Increasing Debt Problems (5th September 2006) |
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Brennan Attends 10th Anniversary Of North Mayo MABS & Launches Guide To Services For Older People In Co. Mayo The Minister for Social Affairs, Séamus Brennan T.D., said today that he is advancing plans as a matter of urgency to strengthen and streamline the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which provides a free, confidential and independent service countrywide through a network of offices for people in debt or in danger of debt. Minister Brennan signalled that the proposed new structure, combining a continuation of valued local voluntary involvement and professional advice with national leadership set on a statutory basis, would be designed and shaped to best respond to the stresses of modern debt on, in particular, low income earners. Minister Brennan also said that that a new integrated software computer system that is now being rolled out countrywide for specific use by the MABS network will gather valuable information that will give a more comprehensive insight and statistics into the nature of the growing problems of debt. In addition, the new system.- MABSIS (Money Advice & Budgeting Service Integrated System) – includes a central database with a facility for a central payments system that will significantly reduce the number of payments made to creditors on behalf of MABS clients and will also allow for many payments to be made by electronic fund transfer. Minister Brennan was speaking in Co. Mayo where he performed a number of official duties, including attending the 10th anniversary celebrations in Ballina for the North Mayo MABS and, in Westport, launching the Family Resource Centre's guide to Services for Older People in the area. The Minister also released new figures showing that almost 44,000 people in Co. Mayo benefit each week from social welfare supports and entitlements. These include 15,292 families who received Child Benefit for 31,695 children; State Age Pensions (7,569), Unemployment Payments (5,141), Retirement Pension (2,480), Pre-Retirement Pension (440), Disability Benefit/Allowance (4,712), Widow's & Widower's Pensions (4,165), One-Parent Family Payment (1,716), Carer's Benefit/Allowance (1,529) and Supplementary Welfare Allowance (788). Speaking in Ballina, Minister Brennan said that over the past 13 years MABS had developed into a valuable nationwide advice and support service that had assisted thousands of people to regain control of their finances and, in time of need, to gain access to affordable credit. Last year alone almost 27,000 people nationwide used the MABS service, compared with less than 18,000 four years earlier. The most recent statistics show that, since 2005, more than 16,000 new customers have approached the independent and confidential advice service. Funding of the service by the Department of Social Affairs has more than doubled in the past four years to over €16 million in 2006. Minister Brennan said: "It has always been envisaged that MABS would be shaped by the needs of local communities and work in partnership with local voluntary and statutory organisations. Local knowledge is invaluable to the MABS service and I want to see this continued. But I also see the need for a more streamlined national structure with a central leadership. As it stands, MABS has a total staff countrywide of 230 and is based on the model of 53 individual companies limited by guarantee. In order to ensure the best value for the €16 million of taxpayers money invested each year, and to build a coordinated budgeting and advice service that has all the supports needed to meet the demands of modern debt problems, I intend to proceed with legislation that will deliver modernisation and innovation, solidly founded on a modern and streamlined structure, and geared to meet the rapidly changing face of debt problems in 21st century Ireland". Minister Brennan said more and more people are recognising the value of the service MABS offers. As it is free, independent and confidential, it is very reassuring to an indebted person that they can reveal the most intimate details of their financial affairs to a money adviser in complete confidence. Minister Brennan said: "Money Advisers encounter first hand the human face of serious debt situations. The impact on people and families can be horrendous with loss of dignity and indeed loss of self esteem. The nature of debt is varied and can range from small loans to difficulties with utilities bills such as electricity, gas and telephone bills, credit card debt, mortgage or rent arrears or indeed debt around life events such as First Communions, bereavements and weddings. The increase in the availability of credit to the public is emerging as another significant factor in the continuing rise in the numbers seeking help from MABS. The service is reaching out to people in debt, or in danger of sliding into debt, and helping them to regain control of their finances and budgets for the future". North Mayo MABS Funding for the North Mayo MABS from the Department of Social and Family Affairs under the MABS programme has increased from €90,000 in 2002 to over €173,000 in 2006. Last year the service had 92 new clients of which 58 were social welfare customers and 28 were employed. This year, up to the end of July, there have been 52 new clients (social welfare (34) and employed (18). There are currently 144 active clients working with North Mayo MABS. Westport Family Resource Centre Minister Brennan announced that the target set by the Government under the National Development Plan of funding 100 Family Resource Centres by the end of 2006 will be delivered. There are currently over 90 core-funded groups in the Family and Community Services Resource Centre Programme. Funding has now been approved for the additional centres that will make up the 100, including new centres in Castlebar and Claremorris. Funding for the Programme has increased substantially from €317,500 in 1994 to over €12.9 million in 2006. Minister Brennan said: "The Government recognises the critically important contribution that Resource Centres, such as this one here in Westport, make to combating disadvantage and reaching out to the vulnerable and marginalised. The services provided by community resource groups are often emotional and practical lifelines for those who may be going through particularly traumatic situations and experiencing a range of problems that combine to leave them feeling isolated and powerless. The services provided are a practical response to the real local needs of the communities serviced by the centres. All of the dedication and commitment shown at local level is, of course, inspired by a vision of change for the good of the community and society in general". |
The following is the text of the winning essay in a competition organised by Charleville MABS on the occasion of their 10th Year Anniversary Celebration which was held on Friday 13th May 2006. The winning essay was written by Oonagh McCarthy, Transition Year, John the Baptist Community School, Hospital, Co. Limerick
Does MABS benefit people in the local community?
I just need to get milk, I told myself sternly. That's all I need. I reached for my bag and took out my purse, then I hopped out of the car and shut the door. I walked down the street with my eyes fixed on the supermarket. All around me people were bustling from shop to shop without a care in the world. I had promised my husband that there would be no more shopping sprees, not until we had all our loans paid off. I passed a huge sale sign outside Brown Thomas and before I knew it I had walked through the welcoming doors. An hour later I emerged from the shop struggling with several shopping bags.
Anxiously I drove home through the rush hour traffic. A huge visa bill was due and I wanted to be home before my husband.
I tiptoed into the house laden down with bags, and there on the ground I spotted the familiar white envelope surrounded by other unwelcome bills. Overcome with guilt I dumped the bags in the sitting room and shut the door behind me.
I picked up the bill and went into the kitchen. I sat down at the table and slowly tore the envelope open, dreading what was to come. AAy eyes widened in shock when I read the figures.... €100 for,...!...... Did I buy..?... There has to be a mistake I thought, how were we going to pay all this money?
Tears of desperation sprang to my eyes as I remembered last months bill. My husband barely spoke to me for two weeks; the tension had left a huge mark on our marriage. I laid my head on the table and sobbed gently, remembering all the fighting and all the crying all over some money.
I rose my head sharply when I heard the door opening and my husband walk in. When he saw my state of distress he rushed to my side, a look of concern in my eyes. My lip quivered as I showed him the bill.
He sat down beside me and took my hand "it'll be ok" he said “I was talking to John at work. He told me about an organisation called MABS. It's a free money advice and budgeting service. He said it helped him get sorted last year when he was having paying off his loans. I've booked an appointment with them on Monday. Maybe they can help us too". For the first time in a long while I felt hope.
MINISTER ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR STRENGTHENED & ENHANCED MONEY ADVICE & BUDGETING SERVICE
GEARED TO MEET MODERN DEBT PROBLEMS
“INCREASE IN EASIER ACCESS TO CREDIT NOW CAUSING SERIOUS MODERN DEBT PROBLEMS”—SEAMUS BRENNAN
The Minister for Social Affairs, Seamus Brennan T.D., announced today that legislation will shortly be introduced to strengthen and streamline the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) which provides a free, confidential and independent service countrywide through a network of offices for people in debt or in danger of debt.
Minister Brennan signalled that the proposed new structure, combining a continuation of valued local voluntary involvement and professional advice with national leadership set on a statutory basis, would be designed and shaped to best respond to the stresses of modern debt on, in particular, low income earners.
Minister Brennan was speaking in County Cork where he performed a number of duties, including the opening of the new offices for the West Cork MABS in Dunmanway, and the 10 th anniversary celebrations for the Charleville & District MABS. The Minister also performed the official opening of the West Cork Citizen Information Service in Bantry and visited staff in Social Welfare staff in Bantry and Dunmanway.
The Minister released new figures showing that over 90,000 people in Co. Cork benefit each week from social welfare supports and entitlements. In addition, more than 121,000 children in the county are in receipt of Child Benefit each month and it is estimated that some 39,000 children will also qualify for the Early Childcare Supplement of €1000 per year for children aged under 6 years.
Minister Brennan said that over the past 13 years MABS had developed into a valuable nationwide advice and support service that had assisted thousands of people to regain control of their finances and, in time of need, to gain access to affordable credit. Last year alone almost 27,000 people nationwide used the MABS service, compared with less than 18,000 four years earlier. The most recent statistics show that, since 2005, more than 16,000 new customers have approached the independent and confidential advice service. Funding of the service by the Department of Social Affairs has more than doubled in the past four years to over €16 million in 2006.
Minister Brennan said: “ It has always been envisaged that MABS would be shaped by the needs of local communities and work in partnership with local voluntary and statutory organisations. Local knowledge is invaluable to the MABS service and I want to see this continued. But I also see the need for a more streamlined national structure with a central leadership. As it stands, MABS has a total staff countrywide of 230 and is based on the model of 53 individual companies limited by guarantee. In order to ensure the best value for the €16 million of taxpayers money invested each year, and to build a coordinated budgeting and advice service that has all the supports needed to meet the demands of modern debt problems, I intend to publish legislation shortly that will deliver modernisation and innovation, solidly founded on a modern and streamlined structure, and geared to meet the rapidly changing face of debt problems in 21 st century Ireland”.
The Minister said the reality is that the structure of the MABS needs to change to accommodate the 21 st century type debt problems and pressures now being encountered. He had informed the MABS National Advisory Committee some months ago of his intentions in this regard and had invited submissions from each of the stakeholders. He was now examining those submissions in advance of bringing forward revised and updated legislation.
“I believe that we can use everything that we already have in MABS and build on it to shape and deliver an enhanced service and structure. I would ask all stakeholders to approach plans for modernising and streamlining with an open mind. I know that everyone involved will put a lot of thought into it and will put the quality of the service to the client as the priority. MABS has been an extremely positive development in the whole area of debt management in Ireland in the last 13 years or so. The challenge for the future is to develop a strategy to prevent over indebtedness and inform people before they reach crisis point, as well as continuing to meet the needs of those who find themselves in immediate financial difficulties.
“I will do my utmost to provide the appropriate leadership and guidance to ensure that legislation is put in place so that the service can move forward in a secure and cohesive way to meet the challenges likely to present for its clients over the coming decade”.
Minister Brennan said more and more people are recognising the value of the service MABS offers. As it is free, independent and confidential, it is very reassuring to an indebted person that they can reveal the most intimate details of their financial affairs to a money adviser in complete confidence.
Minister Brennan said: "Money Advisers encounter first hand the human face of serious debt situations. The impact on people and families can be horrendous with loss of dignity and indeed loss of self esteem.
“The nature of debt is varied and can range from small loans to difficulties with utilities bills such as electricity, gas and telephone bills, credit card debt, mortgage or rent arrears or indeed debt around life events such as First Communions, bereavements and weddings. The increase in the availability of credit to the public is emerging as another significant factor in the continuing rise in the numbers seeking help from MABS. The service is reaching out to people in debt, or in danger of sliding into debt, and helping them to regain control of their finances and budgets for the future".
West Cork MABS Service
The West Cork MABS Service was established in 1998 with an administrative base in Dunmanway and covers the geographical area from Bandon to Castletownbere and the Mizen Peninsula to Macroom, with a population of over 86,000. Funding for the service from the Department of Social Affairs has grown from €95,000 in 2000 to over €228,000 this year. A total of 320 new clients attended the service last year.
Charleville & District MABS 10 th Anniversary
Charleville & District MABS was set up in April 1996 to provide support and advice to families who are experiencing financial difficulties. The office covers a large area including the towns of Kilmallock, Kilfinane, Hospital, Galbally, Ballylanders, Bruff, Croom, Granagh, Ballingarry, Dromina, Milford, Ballyhea and surrounding areas. The population of the catchment area is approx 33,393. In a period of 10 years, Charleville & District MABS has worked with approximately 1300 families in the area. The service currently employs 4 staff.
West Cork Citizens Information
West Cork Citizens Information Service (CIS) was established in 2004 and incorporates the Bantry and Macroom Citizens' Information Centres. It became a limited company in March 2005.
The role of the CIS is to co-ordinate, develop and expand citizens' information services throughout West Cork.
It has recently commenced a weekly service in Dunmanway and from June, a weekly service will be available in Castletownbere. It is planned to start a service in Clonakilty later this year.
Over the past year there have been major developments in Citizens Information Services in West Cork, illustrated by an increase of almost 400% in the number of queries dealt with by the service. These increases have primarily occurred in Bantry, where the new Citizens Information Service offices are centrally located. In the first quarter of 2006, Bantry CIC responded to 1,618 queries compared with 429 queries in the same period in 2005.
* APPROXIMATE NUMBERS BENEFITING IN THE CORK AREA ARE DETAILED BELOW:
Unemployment Payments: 15,920
Old Age Pensions: 20,204
Retirement Pension: 10,073
Pre-Retirement Pension: 1,192
Disability Benefit/Allowance: 16,336
Widow's & Widower's Pensions: 13,314
One-Parent Family Payment: 8,201
Supplementary Welfare Allowance: 2,997
Carer's Benefit/Allowance: 2,423
Total benefiting in Co Cork: 90,660
In addition, Child Benefit is paid in respect of 121,135 children to 62,400 families in the Cork area. It is expected that about 29,000 families will receive Early Childcare Supplement in respect of about 39,000 children.
RTE Prime Time Programme 21st February 2006
Payment Protection Insurance Investigated
To view this programme click here.
(Note: To view this you will need media player software such as Realplayer)
