The Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) generated a loss of more than €1.24m last year, according to accounts released last week.

The loss, which comes on the back of a gain of €4.55m in 2007 thanks to the sale of property, was largely the result of falling income as charities struggle for donations during the recession. While the ISPCC's income from statutory bodies remained steady and legacy and investment income actually rose, voluntary income fell sharply from €5.05m in 2007 to €4.59m last year.

At the same time, the charity substantially increased its expenditure in 2008. Spending on services to children rose by €882,000 to €5.35m while expenditure on fundraising and services promotion jumped by €471,000 to €2.14m.

Taking into account an unrealised loss on investments of €146,309, the ISPCC made a total loss last year of €1,237,762.