The Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs) today advised consumers suffering post-Christmas debt to seek advice and assistance.
Mabs said people can contact its 53 offices around the country, its website ( www.mabs.ie), and its lo-call telephone helpline, 1890 283438.
Personal borrowing in Ireland was at record levels last Christmas, with households expected to spend an average €1,400 on the festive season - up 6.9 per cent on 2006.
Researchers have revealed that 39 per cent of people at post offices on welfare payment days were in debt to moneylenders.