The overall "at risk of poverty" rate in Ireland decreased from 18.5 per cent of the population in 2005 to 17 per cent in 2006, figures published today show.
The EU Survey on Income and Living Conditions also finds there was no significant change in the rate of consistent poverty, which was at 6.9 per cent in 2006 compared to 7 per cent the previous year. Consistent poverty indicates some element of deprivation, such as insufficient food or clothing.
The survey shows a substantial decline in the at risk of poverty rate for elderly people in Ireland, from 20.1 per cent in 2005 to 13.6 per cent in 2006.
It says that those living in households where the head of the household was unemployed, a student, or ill or disabled were most at risk. Over 60 per cent of households headed by an unemployed person were at risk of poverty.
There was also a higher risk of poverty among female-headed households, with nearly 22 per cent of those living in a house headed by a woman at risk of poverty in 2006 compared to 14.2 per cent of male-headed households.
The at-risk of poverty rate among unemployed individuals increased from 40.6 per cent to 44 per cent in 2006. Other high-risk groups were ill or disabled individuals (40.8 per cent) and members of lone-parent households (39.6 per cent).
Average gross household income in Ireland dropped by 7.8 per cent year on year, to €1,055 per week in 2006.
Average net disposable household income was €836.44 per week, an increase of 7.8 per cent.
The income threshold for those considered at risk of poverty was €202.49 per week in 2006, compared to €192.74 per week in 2005, according to the survey.
Today's survey says some 8.8 per cent of the population experienced debt problems arising from ordinary living expenses.
Debt problems were particularly prevalent amongst households with children. Nearly 41 per cent of members of lone-parent households, over 10 per cent of households with two adults and between one and three children and almost 12 per cent of other households with children experienced this problem.