Utrecht, the home city of NVVK, and Trinity College Dublin
On 16 September 2026, the School of Social Work & Social Policy welcomed a delegation from NVVK, the Dutch association representing organisations involved in debt assistance and social banking, as part of a study visit to Ireland hosted by the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS).
During the visit, Professor Joe Whelan presented an overview of his research and discussed developments in consumer debt, financial wellbeing and debt advice services. The visit provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on approaches to debt support and financial inclusion across different European contexts.
Dr Joe Whelan presents research to NVVK delegation
The delegation's visit took place in the context of the implementation of Directive (EU) 2023/2225 on credit agreements for consumers, which includes provisions relating to the availability of independent debt advisory services across European Union Member States. As part of their programme in Ireland, the group met with organisations involved in debt advice and consumer support to learn about the Irish system and to exchange perspectives on policy and practice.