Cash-strapped give the lie to economic spin

Following another week of Government spin about growth in our economy, truth tells a different tale.

I interact daily with people who are experiencing financial burden. Family solicitors are concerned for the mental health of their clients, who are experiencing horrendous stress negotiating with their financial institutions. Banks are often uncooperative with their customers. Bank staff have new challenges in dealing with cash-strapped, vulnerable people. It is essential for banking personnel and their customers that adequate training be provided. Bank staff are coping with emotionally distressed people. The staff are struggling to manage, whilst the customers, facing financial burdens, are trying to make ends meet.

Empathy and understanding are key skills in this situation, but bank staff need to be equipped to apply these skills in sensitive situations. Too many of our friends and families have been lost and action has to be taken to prevent suicide. It is time our elected representatives channelled funds away from spin doctors and, instead, focused on dealing with reality, by supporting people in need.