The vast majority of vulnerable children helped by the Barnardos charity last year experienced problems with their living environment, family or other relationships, its annual review has revealed.
Among the issues they faced were substandard accommodation, overburdened or stressed parents, neighbourhood crime or antisocial behaviour and domestic violence.
But a Government policy of funding early childhood intervention could significantly improve their situation, with research showing that for every euro invested in a child there is a seven-fold return, according to the organisation's chief executive, Fergus Finlay.
Speaking at the launch of the review by Tánaiste Brian Cowen in Dublin yesterday, Mr Finlay said one in nine Irish children lives in consistent poverty, experiencing problems such as hunger, bullying and violence "as part of their daily routine".
He called on the Government to provide funding for early intervention, which he said represents both a social and economic long-term solution to the issues faced by vulnerable children and their families.
Barnardos provided direct support to some 5,000 children and their families last year.
"International experts have agreed that early intervention and prevention makes sense, not just in social terms, not just in terms of justice, but also in hard-nosed economic terms," he said.
Among the benefits of early intervention would be more children staying in school for longer; a reduction in juvenile crime; increased tax revenues; and a reduction in both adult crime and victim costs, he said.
According to the National Economic and Social Forum, it would cost €136 million to deliver one year preschool education for all Irish children.
Responding, Mr Cowen highlighted the Government's plans for a structured approach that places the citizen at the centre of policy. He emphasised the need to empower communities to come up with solutions and to develop partnerships between the State and the voluntary sector.
"I will do what I can to make sure that we improve resources in this area. But we do need to think about how it is we deliver these services. I'm not convinced that the 'status quo plus one' will get results," he said.
More than nine out of 10 children who attended Barnardos' family support centres last year had family and relationship needs, according to the review.
Many had little contact with children of their own age, leading to relationship problems and underdeveloped communication skills.
