Families urged to steer clear of illegal money-lenders

Families across Donegal are being urged stay clear of illegal money-lenders ahead of this Christmas.

The Money Advice and Budgeting Service is today urging the public to budget and plan ahead where possible instead of taking out loans which could cost them much more in the long run.

Concerns were voiced in the Dáil yesterday after the Minister for Social and Family Affairs Mary Hanafin said every payment from her Department is being looked at ahead of the December budget.

The social welfare Christmas bonus and child benefit are just some of the payments that could be facing the chop on December 9th.

Michael Culloty from MABS says people are facing difficult times, but must consider the consequences of going to money-lenders.