Charity claims 30% rise in calls for help

The Society of the St Vincent de Paul is estimating it will make over 100,000 visits to homes between now and Christmas.

Calls for help to the charity are up more than 30% throughout most of the country and over 50% in Dublin.

It announced the figures at its annual appeal for the public's assistance.

The society's vice president John Monaghan said people calling them are in need of the basics to survive.

"When people call us looking for help, there are three things they are looking for - firstly, help with food; secondly utility bills, and thirdly education.

"So you can take it we will be spending a lot more again this year."