Over half of households go into debt to pay bills

More than half of all Irish households are being forced into debt in order to pay everyday household bills.

Consumer research shows that 57% of families are regularly dipping into their savings or accepting financial handouts from relatives and friends in order to pay for essential services.

The findings highlight the impact on many Irish households struggling to stay afloat. They reveal the financial pressures under which many families are living — with the prospect of further pain ahead with the introduction of the new property tax in the second half of this year and water charges in 2014.