Confused borrowers are making expensive mistakes costing them thousands of euro extra in some cases, a new report has found.

The EU banking regulator has approved a move by AIB to begin the process of repaying its debt to the State.

With a general election approaching, the Government can take satisfaction that many of the issues that arose after the crash have been addressed. The economy is growing again and the public finances and banking system have been stabilised.

Almost 70% of mortgage holders behind on their repayments were more than 90 days in arrears at the end of August despite recent improvements, Central Bank figures reveal.