Jail not the way to deal with growing problem of debt, says legal body

NEW alternatives to jail must be found to deal with the escalating number of people with debt problems, according to the Free Legal Advice Centre (FLAC).

Central Bank figures show that people are borrowing more than ever and many are facing increasing difficulties meeting their commitments due to adverse changes in their circumstances.

Private sector borrowing doubled between 1994 and 2000, according to the Central Bank.