€40,000 (That’s how much the average consumer owes in personal debts)

THE average consumer has amassed personal debts of around €40,000, new figures from the Central Bank reveal.

That figure includes personal loans and mortgages.

With borrowing for mortgages and personal loans up close to 30% in the last year it is almost certain Ireland will be the most indebted nation in Europe by the end of 2006.