The "basic human rights" of thousands of one-parent families are being denied here, according to former president Mary Robinson.
In the foreword to a booklet on human rights laws and how they can be used to improve the situation of single-parent families, Ms Robinson says it is easy to believe in a prosperous Ireland that "equality for all is a given.
"Yet in reality one in six families in Ireland remain disadvantaged - legally, financially and socially."
The booklet, which was published in Dublin yesterday by the One Family organisation - formerly Cherish of which Ms Robinson was president in 1972, is aimed at families and one-parent family support groups.
The booklet is available from One Family on 1890 662 212, or can be viewed at www.onefamily.ie