Recession sees 30% increase in calls to St Vincent de Paul

The largest charity in the country says it's now spending €1bn a week providing assistance to those struggling in the recession.

The largest charity in the country says it is now spending €1m a week providing assistance to those struggling in the recession.

St Vincent de Paul says calls for assistance have increased by up to 30% in some areas this year, and that a quarter are from first-time callers.