A new way of measuring the size of the economy has shown the legacy of debt from the crash is much higher than previously estimated, and will likely hem in government spending for years to come.

Households struggling with mortgage debt are being advised to reach out and get free professional advice, as research shows two-thirds of borrowers are unaware of free support services.

Irish householders will generate approximately 74,000 tonnes of packaging waste over Christmas.

Irish households will spend an average of more than €2,500 for Christmas 2016.