The Government has urged people who are facing heavy post-Christmas holiday debts to contact its advice service for help.
The Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Ms Mary Coughlan warned this morning that problems of debt will only get worse if ignored.
The final two weeks of January are traditionally the busiest period of the year for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service operated by her department, she said.
"It may be advisable to address the problem now rather than putting it off," she said. "Our money advisers will help people to assess their current situation and make budget plans for the future.
"The nature or extent of debts will not shock a money adviser. Creditors welcome an approach by the service."
The minister attributed the seasonal increase in demands on the MABS to the availability of credit and the pressure put on families with children by Christmas.
The service - now in its 11th year - provides free and confidential advice, and has the objective of helping people regain control of their personal finances.
It operates a scheme in conjunction with Ireland's Credit Unions organisation that permits payments to be made to creditors on a monthly basis.
