Easier access to credit has led to a rise in the numbers seeking help from money advice and budgeting services, Minister for Social Welfare Seamus Brennan said today.
Speaking at the opening of new offices for the Liffey South West and Dublin South East Money Advice and Budgeting Services (MABS), Mr Brennan said that last year almost 30,000 people availed of the free services compared with less than 18,000 four years ago.
In the same period, the number of new people contacting MABS has almost doubled, and more than 16,000 new customers have approached the service.
"The nature of debt is varied and can range from small loans to difficulties with utilities bills such as electricity, gas and telephone bill; credit card debt; mortgage or rent arrears; or . . . debt around life events such as first communions, bereavements and weddings," he said.
"The service is reaching out to people in debt, or in danger of sliding into debt, and removing many of them permanently from the grip of and dependence on moneylenders."
The Department of Social Affairs is responsible for administering the 65 MABS offices in the country and gave around €13.6 million in funding to the service this year.
Mr Brennan said the Government is committed to obtaining more detailed statistics on those using the services and the nature of the debt incurred.