A new study indicates that a high proportion of Irish families cannot afford the basics required for a minimum standard of living.
The research was carried out by the Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice.
It examined households across the country trying to survive on the minimum wage or social welfare payments.
Rural people face a greater struggle than their urban counterparts, higher food and transport costs being the main reason.
The Vincentian Partnership said six very different household-types, surviving on lower income, were examined.
