Family separation more than doubles the risk of falling into poverty, according to new research published by the ESRI. The number of divorced and separated people in Ireland now stands at over 300,000 according to Census 2022.

The study found that the risk of economic vulnerability is 2.6 times greater for those who become a lone parent compared to similar families that stay together. For example, the risk of previously married mothers being economically vulnerable is 37% compared to 15% for those who stay married, even when controlling for factors such as family size, employment status, education and previous economic vulnerability.

Furthermore, the researchers found that the increased risk of poverty associated with separation is widespread even among those who are relatively advantaged before the break-up. For example, among women with degrees, the probability of economic vulnerability is 24% for those who become lone parents compared to 10% for those who remain partnered. For those with only lower second-level education, the respective figures are 44% and 23%. Therefore, while there is a substantial increased risk for both groups, lone parents with lower educational qualifications have the highest risk overall.