Number of deposits held by households rise

The total level of personal loans and mortgages held by Irish people has shrunk every month for the last 39 months, while savings have been on the increase over the same period, according to figures released by the Central Bank.

The amount of credit extended to Irish households at the end of March and sitting on the balance sheets of the banks was €100.4bn, which is 1.5% lower than the three months to the end of December and 3.5% lower than year ago levels.

There was a further €41.4bn in securitised loans being serviced by Irish banks at the end of the first quarter.