Some Irish nurses are relying on food banks to feed their families.
The worrying claim has been made at the annual conference for the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation, taking place this week in Sligo.
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly heard union delegates describe how frontline workers and their families are facing soaring rents and fuel bills, on low wages.
The union is calling for a nationwide rent freeze, and for travel expenses to be paid to help with fuel costs.
