A report by the Combat Poverty Agency published today shows that 21% of the population is living below the income poverty line on less than €164 a week.
In its annual report, the agency says Ireland's position compared to the developed countries of the EU is a matter of serious concern. The EU average for the same category is 15%.
Child poverty is also highlighted in the report. 21% of Irish children live in income poor households - 2% higher than the European average.
Combat poverty has called for a number of measures to turn the country's economic growth into sustained social improvements and poverty reduction.
They include the implementation of the National Action Plan against Poverty, changes in Government policy to promote poverty prevention and improved social welfare and tax systems to support those returning to work.
