A survey has found just over 18% of the Irish population cannot afford to get together with friends or family for a drink at least once a month.

The study from Eurostat says 11% of people in the EU had the same issue.

It found that Ireland was sixth overall on 18.4% for the measure with Hungary (36.5%), Romania (35.7%) and Bulgaria (30.0%) showing the rates for the issue.

Also, one in six people, or 17.8%, in the EU aged 16 or over are not able to participate in a leisure activity due to deprivation. For Ireland the rate falls to 12%.

In most member states, those aged 25 to 64 were particularly affected.

However in Ireland, Denmark, and the UK the share is higher for young people.