Relief for debt-hit families is delayed

Struggling families in danger of being dragged under by the debt crisis have been warned they may not get extra help this year.

As Finance Minister Micheal Noonan insisted an emergency budget was not in the offing after the latest checking of the State’s books by the troika, ministers admitted details of the long-delayed reform of insolvency laws would not be unveiled before the end of June.

Opposition parties expressed alarm as they feared the slow progress of Dáil legislation would see no respite for people crippled by mortgage and personal debt this side of Christmas.