‘Don’t mess with MABs’ - Ferris

VITAL FINANCIAL SERVICE SUBJECT TO NEW ‘DETRIMENTAL’ CHANGES SF HOPES TO QUASH WITH NEW BILL

SINN Féin TD Martin Ferris is calling on fellow Kerry TDs to back a Sinn Féin bill aiming to protect financial advice service MABS (Money Advice and Budgeting Services) from swingeing changes many believe will seriously impact the lives of its clients.

The Citizens Information Board is proposing new changes that would see both MABS and the Citizens Information Service (CIS) restructured around a handful of regional branches instead of the 90 plus small local companies from which they currently operate.

It’s a move that is feared would lead to the loss of vital local knowledge and make life immeasurably more difficult for many hard-pressed families trying to access MABs advice.

Deputy Ferris is now canvassing cross-party support for the Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2017 introduced by party colleague John Brady TD.

“The sole purpose of this Bill is to remove MABS from the remit of the Citizens Information Board who are attempting to restructure MABS, something which will have a detrimental impact on the service,” Deputy Ferris said.

“Every public representative in Kerry knows what an excellent service MABS provides to those who are struggling with debt, many of whom are in mortgage distress, the service provided by MABS is needed now more than ever.”

He said that the new model has not been welcomed by MABS but that their concerns are being ‘ignored’. “The regionalisation model put forward by CIB is not welcome by the MABS service yet, their views are going ignored...I hope my fellow Kerry TDs support the Bill.”