Huge rise in numbers seeking help with financial difficulties

DEBT advice and poverty assistance services are reporting surges in the number of people with financial difficulties seeking help.

More than 14,000 new clients have contacted the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (MABS) this year, while St Vincent de Paul said calls from people seeking help at its Dublin office have increased by almost 40% from last year.

A spokesman for the Dublin branch, which is holding a special meeting on Saturday to highlight the issue, said it was a “serious situation”.