Spiralling rents and high prices are being cited as the main reasons for the increase.

The current Government must do more for marginalised children, according to a specialist group.

Speaking on RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland, Suzanne Connolly said there was now an opportunity for the political parties to clarify their plans.

The Taoiseach hinted at measures being taken in the budget in October to tackle child poverty.

There has been an increase in the number of children being deprived of basic essentials because of inflation, a report has said.

Children’s advocates like the Children’s Rights Alliance and other organisations had made such a recommendation in the past.

Simon Harris said he wants to make Ireland the best country to grow up in Europe.

The Children’s Rights Alliance made the claim as it launched its third Poverty Monitor on Monday.

Over 260,000 children were found to be living in enforced deprivation last year, according to research from the Children's Rights Alliance

Children's charity Barnardos said it was disturbing that so many parents were struggling to put food on the table for their children

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Minister Roderic O’Gorman said the proposal was worth considering as part of budget talks.

A new second tier of child benefit could lift 40,000 children in Ireland out of poverty, according to a new report