One third of parents went into arrears on energy bills due to insufficient income in the 12 months to April this year, according to Barnardos.
The latest cost of living report by the children’s charity also shows that 40% of parents borrowed money at least once to provide their children with essentials.
The annual report is the fourth assessment of the cost of living, through a national representative survey of 1,000 parents conducted by Amárach research on behalf of the charity.
While 32% of parents went into arrears on their energy bills, those who had to go without or cut down on heat and electricity over six months fell by 10% and 3% respectively – compared to the same period in 2024.
While Barnardos welcomed the decrease in relation to heating in particular, it noted that it was most likely due to “actual falling prices” for some energy products.
Almost half of the families went without or cut down on basic essentials, it said.
The report found that 19% had to cut back or go without food over six months, which was a drop of 1% compared to 2024.
It stated that 40% of parents said they skipped meals or reduced their portion size so their children would have enough to eat and 12% used a food bank.
More than three quarters of parents, or 78%, said cost of living issues negatively affected the children in their care.
Almost one in five, or 19%, said it had “significantly” affected them negatively – up on 18% in 2024 and 12% in 2022.
Overall, Barnardos said those affected negatively equated to approximately 200,000 children, adding that “low income families are still really struggling”.
Young parents, aged between 18 – 24 years old, were considerably more likely to go without or cut back on items when compared to parents who were older.
Similarly, lone parents were disproportionately likely to go without essentials compared to two parent families.
Almost one third, or 29%, said the cost of living had a significant negative impact on their children compared to 16% of two parent families.
The charity said 50% of lone parents went without or cut back on clothing compared to 38% of families with two parents.
It added that 25% of one parent families went without or cut back on heating compared to 15% of two parent families.
Turning to children’s social activities and entertainment, the report showed there was a 5% increase in the number of parents who said that they had to cut back on expenditure.
Almost one fifth, or 16%, said they had to cut back or go without school trips/activities.
Parents in Barnardos services reported their children do less activities and sports that require money.
In some instances, children missed parties because there was no money for a present.
The report has noted the latest statistics from the Survey on Income and Living Conditions showed the rate of child deprivation remained similar last year when compared to 2023 at 21.2%, which is marginally down from 21.4%.
However, there was a jump in the number of children at risk of poverty – from 14.3% to 15.3%.
There was also a substantial increase in those deemed to be living in consistent poverty, from 4.8% to 8.5%
The Programme for Government committed to actions that will “lift more children out of poverty, giving them the futures they deserve”.
Barnardos said despite repeated once off Government cost of living measures, things have remained static since it started reporting on the issue four years ago.
Its CEO Suzanne Connolly said parents on the lowest incomes were “really struggling” as well as those just outside the threshold for welfare supports.
“They are continuing to try everything to give their children the necessities for a decent quality childhood, but unfortunately at times failing,” she said.
“At an absolute minimum, every child in Ireland should live in homes with adequate heating and electricity, sufficient nutritious food and appropriate clothing, as well as opportunity to engage in sporting and cultural activities,” she added.
Ms Connolly said parents should “not be at risk of constant financial distress in order to provide their children with these essentials”.
