As the Irish economy supposedly continues to grow, it is revealed that one in five people are in continuous debt trying to make ends meet.
Two thirds of families can not afford to pay essential bills – mortgage, electricity and gas – and are continuing to borrow in order to do so.
The latest research, carried out by switcher.ie, revealed that one third of householders are paying bills with credit cards and one fifth are borrowing from families and friends.
Furthermore, many have dipped into their savings to pay bills, or have been gifted money by relatives wanting to help.
Price comparison surveys show that electricity costs in Ireland are the sixth highest and broadband costs one of the highest in Europe.