Struggles continue despite bailout exit

Post-bailout Ireland faces a raft of challenges, including a mortgage crisis, a lack of lending for businesses, health cuts and patchy support for the unemployed.

Despite positive messages from ministers yesterday about Ireland marking the end of the emergency financial aid programme, opposition TDs gave a cautious welcome.

Fianna Fáil finance spokesman Michael McGrath warned major economic challenges remained to be overcome if a sustainable recovery was to take root: “Genuine sustainable solutions have not been put in place in respect of mortgage arrears. Banks are not lending to businesses in respect of viable projects. Support for unemployed persons is still patchy and measures to tackle poverty traps have not been delivered.”