A rising proportion of people seeking advice about unmanageable debts are on moderate or good incomes, according to a Government-funded money advice service.
The higher cost of living means that people with mortgages, car loans or credit card debts are seeking advice on how to deal with their debts, said a spokesman for the Money Advice and Budgeting Service (Mabs). The service launched a new helpline yesterday to complement its face-to-face operations.
The helpline - 1890 283438 - is a lo-call number, and any assistance provided by the service is free.
About 30 per cent of those who contact the service for help are on good incomes, said the spokesman. In the past the service mainly helped people on low incomes.
The hotline was launched by Minister of State Máire Hoctor.
Ms Hoctor said: "The impact of debt on people and families can be extremely stressful, with loss of dignity and self-esteem.
"The Mabs service is reaching out to people in debt, or in danger of sliding into debt, and helping them adjust and manage their budgets."
The spokesman for the service said callers were told that they had taken the first step to solving their problem.
"We then alert people to make contact with the people they owe money to as soon as possible.
"We provide them with sample letters if people have difficulty in composing a letter.
"We also advise people to make a simple budget; to prioritise their outgoings; advise them to make an affordable and sustainable offer; and try and build in an affordable payment of arrears.
"Most of the problems are to do with utility bills, or loans from credit unions or other lenders.
"Increasingly, we're seeing persons having difficulties repaying a mortgage."