Around one in six children do not live with their fathers full-time, report finds
The
Economic and Social Research Institute
(ESRI) has published its scoping study examining the profiles of fathers who do not live with their children full-time, termed in the report as 'non-resident fathers', and their relationships with their children.
It comes as NGOs and separated parents have emphasised the importance of including non-resident fathers in research studies.
The report used data from the long-running Growing Up in Ireland study. The study uses data from two separate cohorts – a cohort from 1998, who were aged 9 at the first interview in 2007, and from 2008, who were aged 9 months in the first wave in 2008.
Advertisement
The report found that 14% of children aged between 9 months and 5-years-old did not live with their fathers, rising to 18% by the age of 9. Half of non-resident fathers see their babies or toddlers several times a week, mothers reported, while families with fathers that did not live with their children tended to have younger mothers with lower levels of education, likely to live in urban areas.
Around a third of children aged between 5 and 9 see their fathers at least a few times a week. Just over a quarter of non-resident fathers have little to no contact with their children.
'Although the non-resident fathers surveyed tend to be actively involved in their children's lives, around half of them would like more frequent contact with their child,' the report said.
Co-author of the report Emer Smyth said that research needs to provide a 'comprehensive' picture of the range of influences on children's lives, including their parents who may not live with them.
'A significant proportion of children – around one-in-six – do not live with their father full-time, so not including their father gives only an incomplete picture of their lives. Parents can differ in their perceptions of the father-child relationship, so capturing both perspectives is important,' she said.
Some 38% of mothers separated from their child's father receive regular payments in the case where the child primarily lives with their mother. Another 11% receive payments when needed for a particular purpose.
Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article.
Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.
Learn More
Support The Journal
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
40 minutes ago
- RTÉ News
How can we help children with chronic illnesses in school?
Analysis: 1 in 3 school-aged children in Ireland experience difficulties due to a long-term health condition, impacting attendance, engagement and mental health Around one in three school-aged children in Ireland experience difficulties due to a long-term health condition. This figure comes from the Growing Up in Ireland study, a national research programme that has tracked Irish children's development and wellbeing for over a decade. From asthma, congenital heart disease and epilepsy to type 1 diabetes and childhood arthritis, these conditions affect energy levels, concentration, and participation in school life. While each diagnosis is unique, many of the challenges facing students with chronic health conditions are similar. These include difficulty keeping up in class, missing out on PE, and navigating the emotional toll of being "different." Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic inflammatory joint condition lasting more than 6 weeks with onset under the age of 16 years. While JIA is the most common cause of arthritis in children, it does not only affect joints. It can cause visual impairment, fatigue, rashes and sleep disturbance—symptoms that further impact focus, stamina and emotional wellbeing. Several studies have reported higher levels of absenteeism in children with JIA. One study found that those with JIA missed an average of 2.7 days over a two month period. This was 35% than the general school population. From RTÉ Radio 1's Today with Claire Byrne, GP Dr Harry Barry and UL's Dr Ann-Marie Creaven on being a parent to a child with a serious or chronic illness In a recent research paper, my colleague Tom Spillane and I analysed twelve international studies to understand how JIA affects school participation. The findings are highly relevant across the spectrum of chronic childhood illness. We identified six key barriers to full school participation: 1. Physical symptoms like pain or fatigue 2. Disability or reduced mobility 3. Psychological symptoms including anxiety and isolation 4. Severe active disease 5. Poor communication between schools and families 6. Absence of inclusive supports and strategies Just as importantly, we found that low-cost, thoughtful interventions made a clear difference. These included allowing children to take breaks, use assistive tools like ergonomic pens or walking aids, adapt PE activities, or simply be understood and listened to by school staff. None of these changes require huge investment, but they do require awareness and compassion. Despite this, many children with chronic conditions continue to struggle silently. Some hesitate to disclose their illness, fearing stigma or disbelief. Others report teachers who are unsure how to respond or systems that don't accommodate flexibility. Every child deserves to feel seen, valued, and included. For children with chronic illnesses, small accommodations can mean the difference between falling behind and flourishing. Schools must be places where health challenges are met not with pity, but with practical support and genuine care. We need to move beyond viewing illness as a barrier and ensure school systems that adapt to a child's needs. Just as ramps and accessible toilets became a norm for physical disabilities, we need inclusive learning environments that adapt to fatigue, pain, medication schedules, and fluctuating health. The cost of inaction is high: reduced school attendance, lower academic engagement, and poor long-term mental health. A classroom that doesn't fit a child's medical reality can erode their sense of belonging. The message is simple: inclusion for children with chronic conditions is not solely a medical issue—it's an educational and societal one. Schools can be powerful levellers. But only if they are designed to support difference, not penalise it. From Arthritis Ireland, rugby player James Lowe and schoolboy Adam McCarthy discuss how they have both tackled their arthritis diagnosis head on Ireland rugby international and soon to be Lions player, James Lowe lives with JIA. His story is a powerful example of adaptation and achievement. You can watch him share his experience on the Arthritis Ireland website. These are children with ambition, humour, ability—and health challenges that can be managed. The six themes from our study are not only relevant for arthritis—they can be extended to many long-term conditions. If one in three children in Irish classrooms faces a chronic health condition, this isn't a niche issue. It's an urgent call to action for educators, policymakers and health professionals. We need training, policies, and a culture that places inclusion at the centre of school life. Improving the school experience for children with chronic illnesses is one of the clearest, most measurable ways to make a lasting impact on a young person's life. It means equipping teachers with the knowledge they need, encouraging openness among students and fostering a school culture that values difference as a source of strength. It means investing not only in infrastructure but in empathy. Every child's right to learn includes the right to be accommodated and understood.
The Journal
2 days ago
- The Journal
'Melissa was not a statistic': Family seek answers over young mum's sudden death
THE FAMILY OF a young Dublin woman who took her own life whilst homeless in England say she was 'failed in life and death' by the systems meant to keep her safe. Mother-of-two Melissa Core died in Brighton on January 8 this year. Originally from Finglas, she had been struggling with mental health and addiction issues in the last years of her life. The vulnerable 34-year-old had been under the care of local adult safeguarding services, and disclosed mental health and domestic abuse concerns to outreach workers. Her mother Barbara, along with her sister Emily Kearns, believe Melissa's death was the result of 'repeated and preventable failures' by agencies including health services, police, and safeguarding bodies. 'Melissa did not die suddenly, and she did not die without warning,' her sister Emily told The Journal . 'Her death was the final result of repeated and preventable failings. She reached out, she disclosed abuse, and she asked for help. 'But time and time again, she was dismissed, misjudged, and left to face danger on her own.' Family feel Melissa was 'completely unsupported' Her family described how Melissa moved to the English seaside town several years ago to pursue a relationship, which later broke down. During this time, the young woman began struggling with alcohol and homelessness. In the months prior to her death, she disclosed incidents of domestic abuse and suicidal thoughts, and was violently attacked in the street. According to medical documents obtained by her family, and seen by The Journal , the young mum repeatedly told services that she felt unsafe. Following a suicide attempt in September 2024, she was assessed as high risk by outreach workers. However, no safeguarding referral was made to the city's adult services. By October, Melissa, who was in receipt of help from homeless charity Change Grow Live (CGL), was hospitalised after being violently attacked in the street. According to medical documents, she suffered a significant head injury which led to hearing loss. Yet, no coordinated care plan was put in place for the mother-of-two, and her case was never flagged with Brighton and Hove Council's Adult Safeguarding Board. 'She was known to services, documented as high risk, and completely unsupported,' Emily said. She begged for help. She was ignored. In the early hours of January 5, Melissa was found unconscious in the Rock Street area of the city. She was rushed to hospital, but despite the efforts of doctors, she passed away on January 8. Her family, who travelled from Dublin to be at her bedside, were left devastated and heartbroken. Melissa Core, whose family has flagged serious concerns with West Sussex Coroner's Office over her death. Emily Kearns Emily Kearns Advertisement Incorrect date of death recorded They say the trauma of losing Melissa has been compounded by unanswered questions around her death. The family say they were only told of significant injuries found on her body months later. This included a fractured C-spine and what one doctor recorded as a 'highly suspicious' carotid artery injury. In a referral from a hospital doctor to the coroner's office following her death, it was also stated that Melissa's passing 'may have been caused or contributed to by violence'. No toxicology testing was carried out while the 34 year-old was in hospital, which the family says has left them unable to understand the young woman's state-of-mind at the time of her passing. The wrong date of death was initially recorded on her death certificate, while a hospital discharge summary was issued while she was still on life support. CCTV footage showing Melissa's final moments was also not immediately seized by police, and ended up being viewed by her sister Emily after the family visited premises close to where her sister was found. These concerns have all been flagged with West Sussex Coroner's Office, which is currently investigating the mum-of-two's death, Barbara Core said. However, she says the family have been left disappointed with communications with the coroner's office on these issues. 'These were basic things that should never have gone wrong,' Barbara Core said. 'We feel stonewalled every time we ask for answers.' In response, a spokesperson for West Sussex Coroner's Office said it could not comment on the young woman's case until an inquest into her sudden death concludes. Charity 'extremely saddened' over death Brighton and Hove City Council, which oversees adult safeguarding in the city, said: 'While we are unable to comment in any detail, the circumstances are being considered by the coroner. 'We have no contact details for the family but would welcome them getting in touch… including the possibility of a review by the Safeguarding Adults Board.' In a statement to The Journal , a spokesperson for CGL, the support service Melissa had engaged with, said they are 'extremely saddened' by her death 'We take any concerns very seriously…but we cannot comment further while the coroner's investigation is underway,' they said. University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust confirmed that only routine blood tests were carried out on Melissa, and that samples were discarded as no request had been made to retain them. The Trust said procedures were followed, and expressed regret that no further assistance could be offered to the Core family. Separately, Sussex Police told The Journal a 'thorough investigation' found no evidence of third-party involvement in Melissa's death, and that the matter has been referred to the coroner. A full inquest into Melissa's death is expected to be heard later this year. Her family say they will continue to push for answers until every question has been addressed. 'Melissa was not a statistic,' Emily said. 'She was our sister, our daughter, our mother. 'She deserved dignity in life and in death. Her voice was ignored while she was alive, we will not let it be ignored now.' If you have been affected by any of the issues mentioned in this article, you can reach out for support through the following helplines. These organisations also put people in touch with long-term supports: Samaritans 116 123 or email jo@ Text About It - text HELLO to 50808 (mental health issues) Aware 1800 80 48 48 (depression, anxiety) Pieta House 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444 – (suicide, self-harm) Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Journal
3 days ago
- The Journal
Tony Holohan 'will not seek' Áras nomination to avoid 'exposing family to criticism or abuse'
TONY HOLOHAN HAS said he will not seek nominations to run for the presidency. The former chief medical officer said that, after being approached by a number of people asking him to put his name forward, he will not be throwing his hat in the ring. In a statement, Holohan said that while he is able for the 'tough nature' of modern politics, his family isn't. Advertisement 'While a number of different factors have influenced my decision, my overriding consideration has been my wish to protect my family from the kind of personal abuse which is becoming increasingly normalised in Irish politics generally and in presidential elections in particular,' he said. 'I understand the very tough nature of modern politics and while I am more than capable of defending my reputation and the decisions which I have taken, over a long career during challenging times in public service my family is not. 'I cannot now expose them to further distress, criticism or abuse at a time when we are all still rebuilding our lives.' He said he hoped that the upcoming campaigns will involve 'civilised and respectful debate and reflection'. 'We have been well served by the holders of this high office to date, and I wish the next President – whoever he or she may be – every success in the role. They will have my full support,' he concluded. Related Reads Heather Humphreys confirms she is 'seriously considering' seeking Fine Gael nomination for president Presidential campaigning ramping up as potential candidates take stock after McGuinness withdrawal Millionaire Áras hopeful launches presidential campaign in the Shelbourne - here's what he said Meanwhile, Fine Gael TD Heather Humphreys has confirmed that she is considering running to be the party's nominee in the presidential election. The decision comes in the wake of Mairéad McGuinness, Fine Gael's first choice for the nominee, withdrawing from the race for health reasons after spending time in hospital. The party's executive team will meet tonight to map out its next moves. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
