More people seeking help with debts, says service

FAILED small business owners and people with jobs are among a growing number of people seeking help with debts, according to the Money, Advice and Budgetary Services (MABS).

Set up primarily to get those on social welfare away from the clutches of money lenders, MABS said there was a 20% increase in the number of people seeking help with debts last year compared to 2001.

While some had debts of up to €60,000 the average for the 1,054 seen was €15,000. MABS Cork manager, Denis Corbett, said for the first time in their history they had broken the 1,000 barrier having seen only 883 people the previous year. The 2002 figure is 40% up on that for 1996.