Press Release May 2010
The Minister for Social Protection, Éamon Ó Cuív T.D., has officially opened the new premises for the Meath Citizens Information Service (CIS) and Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) in 1 Canon Row, Navan.
In 2009, Meath CIS responded to 12,413 callers and dealt with 15,500 queries of which 46% related to Social Welfare and 19% related to Employment. It operates a service in Navan, Trim and Ashbourne and provides outreach services in Dunboyne and Kells as well as supporting the Meath Traveller Information Support Unit.
The Navan Citizens Information Centre (CIC) was established in 1976 and has 6 staff, 2 Community Employment workers and 10 volunteers. This busy service provides information, advice and advocacy to people on their rights and entitlements. "Now more than ever people need to know where to go and what to do in order to get their entitlements", said Deborah Dwyer, Manager of the Meath CIS. "Our service provides free, impartial and confidential information. As part of our service, the CIS undertakes advocacy work for people who may need additional assistance navigating through the system and accessing services", she added. A Free Legal Advice Clinic operates out of the Navan Centre along with the CIS hosting Marriage Relationship Counselling Service - both of which are by appointment.
As well as dropping in to their local CIC, people can also log onto the Citizens Information website, www.citizensinformation.ie or call the Citizens Information Phone Service Lo-Call 1890 121 777.
Meath MABS was established in 1996 and provides a free independent and confidential service to people experiencing debt difficulties. It is a county wide service and holds 5 outreach clinics in Kells, Ashbourne, Trim, Dunboyne and Dunshaughlin.
In 2009, there were 227 new clients and 540 people sought information on budgeting and money management issues. Currently there are a total of 916 clients registered with the Meath MABS. "The problems that people in debt face are often complex and usually not only financial and but also often of a legal nature", said Tommy Curran Co-ordinator of Meath MABS. The service is also active in educating local communities on budgeting and money management. Money Advisors provide practical assistance, advice and support by working out a budget suited to the individual and family. They will negotiate on behalf of clients with creditors where appropriate.
You can make an appointment to see the local Money Advisor or phone the MABS national helpline on 1890 283 438 or log on to the MABS website www.mabs.ie.
Both services are funded and supported by the Citizens Information Board.
