A new survey has found that 84% of people in Ireland are worried about the cost-of-living crisis, while fewer than one in seven believe the Government is doing enough to tackle it.
With conversations sparking around Ireland's 2026 Budget, this survey is that much more relevant.
The poll, conducted by Ipsos B&A for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), surveyed 1,243 adults. Almost half of respondents said they feared they would struggle to meet household costs in the year ahead.
IHREC said the findings highlight how economic inequality has "eroded trust" among the public, with only 13% of people believing Ireland's wealth is distributed fairly. Nearly three-quarters disagreed.
The survey also found that eight in ten people agree everyone should be treated equally, regardless of background or identity. While still high, support for this principle has fallen slightly in recent years — from 85% in 2023 to 84% in 2024. IHREC described this negative trend as a “clear cause for concern.”
When asked about efforts to combat discrimination in Ireland, only four in ten respondents said these efforts were effective. According to the Commission, this points to a crisis of confidence in institutions and political leadership and shows concern about the direction of society.
Increase in Racism and Discrimination
The survey found that 14% of respondents reported experiencing racism in the past year, up from 10% in 2024. Among non-white Irish respondents, the figure was 66%, meaning two in three experienced racism directly in the last 12 months.
Disabled people also reported rising challenges, with 16% experiencing discrimination, up six points from last year. Among 18 to 24-year-olds, 37% witnessed disability-based discrimination.
IHREC Chief Commissioner Liam Herrick said the poll shows “an Ireland pulled in two directions.”
"On one hand, growing inequality and increasing reports of discrimination. On the other, a resilient and deep commitment in our society for values of fairness, solidarity and justice."
He added that the numbers represent real-life impacts, including adults excluded from work, children bullied in schools, and neighbours harassed in the street.
Herrick called on leaders to take action, saying:
"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. And they are outcomes that can be changed by courage, action and solidarity."
