Council criticises insolvency guidelines

The importance of childcare is not adequately recognised in the new personal insolvency guidelines, according to the National Women’s Council, despite assurances that parents will not be forced to quit their jobs.

The group said household budgeting is primarily done by women, and the new guidelines, which limit spending on food and other items, “will add an additional stress on to women and families that are already struggling”.

The average family of two adults and two children will be allowed up to €1,760 a month to live on under new rules outlining what should be considered reasonable living expenses for people in mortgage distress.