Many children in Ireland cannot afford a proper winter coat and live in homes that are not warm enough during the winter months, the Children's Rights Alliance has said.

It is calling for the Government to commit to tackling the issue of child poverty following the publication of new figures by the EU.

The EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2014 shows that in Ireland, while the consistent poverty rate fell slightly from 11.7% in 2013 to 11.2% in 2014, those living in households with one adult and one or more children - one-parent families - had the highest consistent poverty rate at 22.1%.

Poverty in childhood can have long-term consequences, affecting physical health, mental health, education and future job opportunities.

"We know from our members working at the coalface that child poverty is the most critical issue facing children in Ireland today. The statistics are stark. For example, more than one in three children cannot afford to have a warm winter coat, eat a hearty meal every other day or have an adequately warm home. Quite clearly, not enough has been done to help one-parent families who still experience the highest consistent poverty rate," commented Tanya Ward, chief executive of the alliance.

She said that while we are being told that the economy is growing and unemployment rates are dropping, any economic recovery ‘has not filtered through to the lives of children who are still bearing the brunt of harsh decisions made in times of austerity and recession'.

She insisted that the next Programme for Government must commit to tackling this issue.

"It is possible to insulate children from the impact of child poverty if the right decisions are made. Welfare payments alone are not the answer, but an overarching strategy on child poverty that involves a number of departments and agencies is urgently needed.

"Such a strategy must have a focus on one-parent families. We implore any incoming Government - whatever their political shape - to address child poverty once and for all. It's possible and it's imperative," Ms Ward said.

For more information on the work of the Children's Rights Alliance, click here