New figures from the Central Statistics Office show a large increase in the number of female single parents over the past five years.
This is the first time that a detailed break-down of quality of life issues has been available.
The Equality in Ireland report shows that 102,600 women in 2006 were classed as single parents, an increase of 41% on 2002.
Five years ago, the number of female single parents was 72,600. Among men, 10,300 are now listed as single parents compared with 9,000 in 2002.
The report only looked at lone parents whose children were no older than 18.
The figures also show that 23.3% of lone parents had achieved a third level education in 2006, compared with 34.4% for other parents.
Meanwhile, 54% of people from non-EU countries living in Ireland are listed as having a third level qualification, compared with just over 29% of Irish nationals.
People from EU countries also have a higher third level qualification rate at 36.4%.
