Debt counselling service helps 16,000 per year

AROUND 16,000 people are turning to the State’s Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) every year to help them get out of debt.

Last year 30,000 people used the service, compared to just 18,000 four years earlier.

Social Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan now plans to spend €14.9 million on the service next year - up 10% on 2005, with most of the increase being spent on pay and administration.