Credit Union chief warns on credit card debts

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has reported a significant increase in the number of loans being given to people to …

The Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) has reported a significant increase in the number of loans being given to people to pay of credit car debts.

ILCU Chief Executive Mr Liam O'Dwyer said in a statement that loans to pay off credit cards have accounted for much of their business since the beginning of the year.

"It would appear a lot of people bit off more than they could chew in the run-up to Christmas," he said.

He urged consumers to "think long and hard" about over-using credit cards to keep their personal finances in order.

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"There is a ferocious sting in the tail with credit cards that is doing huge damage to people's personal finances when it's time to cough up," Mr O'Dwyer said.

Patrick  Logue

Patrick Logue

Patrick Logue is Digital Editor of The Irish Times