IN SPITE of proposed cutbacks in many areas, the Department of Social and Family Affairs is providing over 30,000,000 euro to fund Citizens Information services around Ireland.
The beneficiaries include Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) and Citizens Information Service (CIS), who serve a population of 184,000 in Limerick city and county.
Limerick MABS assisted 185 new clients in 2007, whereas in the first nine months of 2008, over 460 clients sought advice from them.
Said a spokesperson: “Coming up to Christmas, people are finding things very stressful and struggling to make ends meet. This time of year is extremely overwhelming for families and budgets are very tight”.
The invaluable service that Limerick MABS provides in budgeting reassures those who are grappling with their finances. There is now an outreach service in Abbeyfeale, Moyross and Southill and in early 2009, they will offer their services to the communities in Newcastlewest, Kildimo, Foynes and Askeaton.
Another amenity exists in the Citizens Information Service, which provides free independent information and advice in relation to health, social welfare, housing, taxation, consumer matters, employment rights, careers and local information.
Limerick CIC dealt with approximately 38,000 enquiries and 30,000 callers in 2007. These vast numbers demonstrate the need for the comprehensive and trusted information service that Limerick CIS’s dedicated 19 staff and 52 volunteers are offering in the area.
Unsurprisingly, a recent review of staffing levels in local offices has shown that six additional staff are in the Limerick Social Welfare office to help deal with the increasing number of people applying for benefits. This follows the allocation of three additional staff during the summer.
The National MABS Helpline is available on 1890 283 438 (for the price of a local call) to those seeking help and advice, and on their website at www.mabs.ie.
