Business Editor The national debt stood at more than €219 billion at the end of last year, equivalent to €44,000 for every person in the country, according to a new report from the Department of Finance. The sharp increase in public indebtedness, driven by the profound effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, is thought to have pushed the total debt pile to 108% of Modified Gross National Income (GNI*) last year, an increase of 12%. That debt-to-GNI* figure is expected to grow further to 115% this year because of the changes announced in the budget, or €47,700 for every man, woman and child here.