Ireland's economic crisis means lean Christmas for many

Irish people face years of cutbacks and tax increases in return for fresh capital to shore up the banks, after the country’s parliament approved EU/IMF bailout package yesterday. Finance Minister Brian Lenihan pushed through the 85 billion euro package despite resistance from the main opposition party.

Meanwhile, as Christmas approaches many people in Ireland will be facing financial hardship.

Lydia O’Kane spoke to the Head of Social Justice at St Vincent de Paul Society, John Mark McCafferty who told her that they have been inundated with calls for help.

“We have seen sustained increases in the number of calls coming into our regional offices ,in some cases its been an increase of 35% … I can say right now that our Dublin region really is seeing unprecedented levels of calls.”

He adds that people are “really struggling with their budgets”

The St Vincent de Paul Society is asking people in Ireland, if they are in a position to give, to be as generous as they can during its Christmas appeal.
Listen to Lydia O'Kane's interview with John Mark McCafferty here.