Half of those seeking debt advice have mortgages

Almost half of people contacting the Money Advice and Budgeting Service for help with mounting debt are mortgage holders.

Just a decade ago, people with mortgages who sought advice from MABS amounted to “just a handful” of all clients.

But spokesman Michael Culloty said that figure had surged to 47% in the past year, reflecting the growing financial woes of Ireland’s middle classes.