The United Nations (UN) has expressed concern about how the economic crash has affected children here.

In January the Minister for Children appeared before the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child in Geneva to discuss Ireland's efforts to provide for children.

The Office of the High Commissioner has now released the findings of that review of childrens' rights here.

The body says it is particularly concerned about children with disabilities, and those who live in direct provision here.

It has called for an increase in child benefit and other financial supports to children - particularly those with disabilities - to bring them in line with the increase in the cost of living.

The committee has praised Ireland's successful exit from the financial bailout but has raised concerns about cuts to departments including the Children's Ombudsman's office during the crash.

Concerns have again been highlighted about discrimination against Traveller and Roma children.

The Committee on the Rights of the Child comprises 18 international independent experts, who monitor implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified to date by 196 States.