Why does official data omit the true extent of Ireland's poverty?

People with disabilities, renters and lone parents are among those who are most likely to be overcome by bills, but whose reality is not captured by official figures, writes Denise Charlton

The ESRI has found that the ‘working poor’ account for one third of those below the poverty line, of which half are living in rental accommodation with lone parents accounting for another significant number. File photo: iStock

At the heart of the cost-of-living crisis are significant groups of people who are really struggling to make ends meet but yet are not officially recognised as being at risk of living in poverty.

The publication of the Economic and Social Research Institute's (ESRI) Poverty, Income Inequality and Living Standards research in partnership with The Community Foundation for Ireland has not only put the issue in the spotlight but has also revealed that it impacts tens of thousands of people.