The number of mortgage accounts in arrears for more than 90 days declined by 4,516 at the end of May, according to new Department of Finance figures published on Thursday.

The data show the number of accounts in arrears fell from 78,435 in the first quarter to 73,719 at the end of June.

The department said engagement between consumers and lenders has led to 69,306 mortgage restructures, up 7,241 on the first quarter and 18,118 on the final quarter of 2013.

According to the figures, the total number of mortgage accounts in arrears declined by 5,108 when compared to the first quarter and by 8,963 since the start of the year.

The number of split mortgages continues to increase however, with 12,857 split mortgages in place at the end of May.