Poverty is costing the Society of St Vincent de Paul £315,000 a week despite the levels of wealth in society, according to the charity's president, Mr Noel Clear.
"There are 200,000 people still living in consistent poverty without adequate income, a warm overcoat or a second pair of shoes," he said. "Over 500,000 adults of working age are still dependent on social welfare."
Speaking at the publication of the society's annual report, On The Outside Looking In, and the launch of its appeal week, he said those in the poorer Ireland lived a "totally different, less satisfactory and lower quality life than those experiencing the benefits of the Celtic Tiger".
The report shows that the society spent £4.4 million on food and £2.4 million on clothing, furniture and fuel.
"That is a very salutary reminder to us all that far too many of our fellow citizens are cold and hungry," said Mr Clear. "The solutions are a far cry from the wise commentators who assume there is no longer an excuse for this and there is now no reason why they are not part of the labour force."
Some 17 categories, described as "the excluded", are highlighted, among them the long-term unemployed, the homeless, children and teenagers addicted to alcohol and drugs and the 25 per cent of adults who are functionally illiterate.
Mr Clear called on people to show more compassion for the vulnerable.
