We need an integrated approach to solve debt crisis

MOST people have no idea of how to plan a way out of unaffordable debt.

Even where they access information and advice, they will not have the expertise and skill to negotiate with their many lenders.

Convened last week to consider the Keane report on mortgage arrears, Social Protection Minister Joan Burton’s stakeholder forum heard from consumer protection advocates of the urgent need to adopt an integrated approach to resolving the consumer debt crisis.