By Madeline O'Connor

A report funded by the Department of Social Protection inIrelandsuggests that most families dependent on Jobseeker's Benefit do not have an adequate income for a basic standard of living.

One of its authors said as the minimum wage and social welfare payments are not connected to what is needed for a basic standard of living, poverty and social exclusion will continue in the country.

The report based its findings on the UN’s definition of a minimum standard of living, which is described as one which meets a person's physical, psychological, spiritual and social needs.

Different types of households were assessed, including a single person living alone, a two-parent household with two children and a pensioner couple.

The report was carried out by the Policy Institute at Trinity College Dublin and was funded by the Department of Social Protection.

One of the authors, Dr Michéal Collins, says its findings are a useful benchmark to assess the adequacy of welfare payments and the minimum wage and could be relevant when looking at how households can manage their debts.