Struggling borrowers ‘should get counselling’

Banks should be compelled to provide counselling to customers who are in heavy debt or mortgage arrears, according to Fianna Fáil.

The party proposes the initiative in its suicide policy, which lays most of the blame for mental health issues with alcohol abuse and the media.

It does, however, recognise that the financial crisis is one of the contributory factors to a rise in suicide — particularly among middle-aged men.