Three out of ten young people in Ireland are growing up in deprived households, a new report has found.

The Economic and Social Research Council's study, which is based on its Survey of Income and Living Conditions, revealed single-parent families and those where adults are out of work and have few qualifications are most likely to suffer from poverty, the Irish Times noted.

It also found deprivation rates in Ireland are high compared with other western European countries and many parents will divert resources to help their children.

Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said: "Poverty is especially detrimental for children due to its long-term effects that persist into adulthood. Addressing these issues is therefore a government priority."

She added it will be important to create childcare systems that support parents.

Schemes such as the Back to School Clothing and Footwear Allowance, Child Benefit Scheme and Family Income Supplement are set to cost three billion euro this year, the minister said.

Written by Donal Walsh

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