Joan Burton: ‘Arrears deals must be made’

Bankruptcy periods could be cut back to 12 months in order to put pressure on lenders to cut deals on distressed mortgages, Tánaiste Joan Burton has signalled.

The Labour leader expressed concern at the low number of agreements banks are reaching with people struggling with mortgage debt.

Ms Burton said a strong message is needed to be sent to lenders to do more to help out householders in difficulty.