The CSO published its Survey on Income and Living Conditions in December, which showed that while the rate of poverty in Ireland has stayed roughly the same, the rate of deprivation rose dramatically from 13.7% in 2008 to 30.5% in 2013. The statistics also show that almost one in eight children now live in consistent poverty.

The figures reveal that more than a million people suffered enforced deprivation in 2013, more than double the rate prior to the economic crash. “Enforced deprivation” is defined as being unable to afford at least two basics, such as replacing worn out furniture or an afternoon or evening out in the past fortnight.

Patrick Foley of the CSO said people across all income groups were reporting increases in deprivation each year since 2008.

The survey also showed that disposable income dropped for most groups, and the group that showed the largest drop in income were adults aged under 65 living alone (-13%). However it was single parents who had the highest deprivation rate at 63.2% in 2013.

The chief executive of children’s charity Barnardos’, Fergus Finlay, said, “The high rate of poverty for children, and the startling increase in deprivation figures for all families shows that Government choices have fundamentally failed to protect children and families.”

Joe O’Connor, organiser with IMPACT’s Boards and Voluntary Agencies branch commented, “These figures demonstrate the devastating effect of our economic crisis. Wage stagnation is one of its legacies, and that’s why IMPACT has been campaigning for widespread pay recovery across all sectors of the economy. Decent work and decent jobs are a key part of any recovery, so that dignity can be restored to peoples lives.”