St Vincent De Paul has spent an extra €10 million supporting needy families this year, due to a dramatic rise in the numbers seeking help.
The charity has spent more than €40 million so far in 2013, up from around €30 million during the whole of last year.
The society's National Vice President Tom McSweeney says they're launching their annual appeal today in the run up to their busiest time at Christmas.
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He says they've had huge demand every year since the bust:
