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The issue of dads being denied equal parenting rights is one of the biggest taboos we face today, Fathers4Justice has said.

There are now 220,000 separated dads living in Ireland, and 189,000 children growing up in a fatherless home.

Statistics show these youngsters are 77% more likely to take drugs and 76% more likely to get involved in crime.

There will be 11 reported suicides of men unable to cope with not seeing their children this week.

F4J founder Matt O’Connor said: “The stories we hear are extremely upsetting.

“There is a sense of shame and a wall of silence.

“We see a huge spike in calls for help leading up to this day. It’s heartbreaking.”

Niall (not his real name), lives in Drogheda and gets to see his 19-month-old daughter, who now lives in Wexford with his ex, twice a month.

He said: “What’s Father’s Day going to be like for me?

“It will mean nothing. I don’t get to see my only child, I get to see her next week instead. At the moment it’s once a fortnight.

“I have to travel more than six hours on the train each way so by the time I get her to my house it’s almost time for bed, and we’re on the road early again so I can get her home the next day.

“I sometimes drive but I don’t like bringing her on the M50 and other busy roads because there’s a crash every single day.

“She [my ex] doesn’t want to meet me half way.

“She has no interest in mediation, I’ve a court date next month. I did get guardianship but there is not even a national register for that so it means nothing. The whole situation is very stressful.

Niall revealed: “My doctor prescribed mild anti-depressants for anxiety.

“Even though I’m paying maintenance if we have an argument she says, ‘You’re not seeing your child this week’. It depends on her mood – that is hard to deal with, it is very upsetting when it happens.

“It’s like she’s using our daughter as a stick to beat me with. I’ve heard so many ads for Father’s Day on the radio this week.

“I’m finding it very difficult. Everywhere you look it’s there.

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“I will work on Sunday, take extra shifts as a courier to keep me busy and stop me from moping. But I will think about her. I think I’m a good father.

“I have her own room here, she has her own toys, clothes, like a second home but unfortunately it’s only twice a month.

“We have a great relationship when she’s here.

“It’s great having her here but leaving her back and then driving home with an empty car seat in the back is gut wrenching.

“Seeing your child once a fortnight is not enough for any man.

“I’m hoping and praying it changes because I couldn’t go on for the rest of my life like this.”