Children in large families, in lone parent households, and in households where someone has a disability face a higher risk of income poverty and deprivation, according to a new study by the ESRI.

The report compares child poverty and related factors and policy measures in Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The report uses two measures of poverty: income poverty, which means having a household disposable income that is less than 60 per cent of median income; and, material deprivation, which occurs when families are unable to afford at least two of five basic essentials like paying their bills on time or keeping their home warm.

Author of the report, Helen Russell, of the ESRI said an “unacceptable number” of children are experiencing poverty and reducing this “must be a priority” for governments on both sides of the border.

More than 40pc of births now take place outside marriage.