Save The Children said it was concerned by the Government statistics released this week which show that around 120,000 children are living on the breadline.

It had estimated that around 100,000 were living in such difficult circumstances.

Following the release of the updated figures, Save The Children said the statistics "add impetus" to its campaign to end child poverty.

It has also called on the Assembly to help eradicate the number of youngsters living in disadvantaged social and economic conditions.

The call was echoed by Sinn Fein MLA Claire McGill who said it was time the Executive delivered "a genuine anti-poverty strategy".

Last year the Department for Social Development released a report entitled Households Below Average Income which suggested 24% of children in Northern Ireland were living on the breadline.

However, after new methodology was introduced, an updated version of the report suggests the figure sits at 29%.

Alex Tennant, Save the Children's head of policy and research, said: " The estimate of 100,000 children in poverty in Northern Ireland was a matter of grave concern, requiring urgent action.

"To hear now that a more accurate figure is 120,000 children experiencing poverty is deeply shocking and should act as a spur to our politicians to prioritise action on child poverty."

Mr Tennant said that while it is not clear whether the updated statistics represent an increase in child poverty, it was clear the numbers have not decreased.

He added: "We are calling on the Assembly to prioritise child poverty and adopt the targets of halving child poverty by 2010 and eradicating it by 2020.

"Moving children out of poverty means children not growing up feeling let down by society and disengaged as citizens.

"It means not having to put resources into the chronic health problems and social problems experienced by those living in poverty.

"It means a huge increase in the number of adults in the future with skills enabling them to engage in the labour market - so essential given our aging population and the need to grow the economy.

"This should be a new start for Northern Ireland. It is time to prioritise ending child poverty as a vital step in creating a fairer and safer society for everyone."

Claire McGill, Sinn Fein's anti-poverty spokesperson, added: "It is time for the Executive to deliver a genuine anti-poverty strategy that can make a real difference to our communities."