More than four in five Irish people are worried about the cost of living, with nearly half fearing they will struggle to meet household expenses in the coming year, according to new research.
The survey, commissioned by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, found that 84% of the public is concerned about cost-of-living pressures, while confidence in government action has plummeted. Just one in seven people believe the government is doing enough to address the issue, down sharply from one in five last year.
Close to half of respondents expressed fear about meeting their household costs over the next twelve months, highlighting the scale of financial anxiety across the country. The research also revealed that only 13% of people believe Ireland’s wealth is distributed fairly, with the commission stating that “economic inequality is eroding trust.”
Men and those aged 18-24 were more likely to view wealth distribution as fair compared to women and older age groups. However, support for equality principles is declining, with 80% agreeing everyone should be treated equally regardless of background, down from 85% in 2023 and 84% last year.
The survey exposed alarming increases in reported discrimination. Some 14% of respondents experienced racism in the past year, up from 10% in 2024, while this figure jumps dramatically to 66% among non-white Irish people. Additionally, 31% directly witnessed racism, with younger people and Dubliners more likely to report such incidents.
Discrimination against disabled people also increased, with 16% reporting such experiences compared to 10% in 2024. Among 18-24 year-olds, 37% witnessed disability-based discrimination.
The nationally representative poll of 1,243 adults was conducted by Ipsos B&A. IHREC Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick described the findings as showing “an Ireland pulled in two directions,” noting resilient commitment to fairness alongside growing inequality and discrimination.
“Economic inequality, racism, and democratic erosion are not forces of nature. They are outcomes of policy, and the consequence of political choice and political rhetoric,” Herrick said.