Approximately 230,000 children in Ireland are currently experiencing material deprivation, according to a latest report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
This is a measure of poverty based on the inability to afford essential items and activities considered necessary for a basic standard of living.
The ESRI’s findings reveal a concerning rise in material deprivation among children, with the percentage of households unable to afford at least two essential items increasing from just over 17 per cent in 2022 to 20 per cent in 2023.
This measure focuses on households with children under the age of 18.
The list of ten essential items includes basics such as two pairs of strong shoes, a warm waterproof coat, new clothes, and the ability to replace worn-out furniture. It also includes having a meal with meat, fish, or a vegetarian alternative every second day, and a roast or equivalent meal once a week.
Other essential activities on the list are having home heating during the past year, buying presents for family or friends at least once a year, going out for drinks or a meal once a month, and participating in entertainment activities every two weeks.
In contrast, material deprivation fell over the same period from 11.7 per cent to 9.8 per cent for those aged above 65.