The number of households in arrears on mortgage payments on their homes has fallen by almost one third in less than two years, according to the latest data from the Department of Finance.

The number of mortgages in arrears fell for the sixth consecutive quarter at the end of last year but those in long-term arrears of more than two years continued to rise.

The number of mortgage solutions for loans in arrears that involves loss of ownership to the borrower is exceptionally high at almost 50%, according to a leading stockbroking firm.

With the budget around the corner, we are hearing soothing noises all round about the economy.