By Sean Murphy
Copyright irishmirror
More than eight in 10 people are now worried about the ongoing cost-of-living crisis as biting cost rises hit harder across the population.
It has been revealed in a new survey that some 84% of people are significantly concerned and many blame Government failures to address it. The analysis for the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) revealed that the crisis is now impacting deeper and affecting more homes.
People admitted fears that they will not be able to afford their household costs in the months to come. The financial pressure puts huge strains on the public and has influenced people’s interpretations of national equality, according to the IHREC.
Its chief Liam Herrick claimed the poll showed “an Ireland pulled in two directions”. He said: “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.
“The lived experiences behind those perceptions are stark. These are not abstract percentages. They represent adults excluded from employment, children bullied in classrooms, neighbours harassed on the street. They reveal an Ireland where the promise of equality is receding.”
He added: “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.”
The IHREC said the poll shows that economic inequality has “eroded trust” amongst the public, with 13% of people believing that Ireland’s wealth is distributed fairly – but close to 75% said it is not. Some 80% of people stated everyone should be treated equally regardless of “who they are or where they come from”. However, that sentiment has fallen from 85% in 2023 and 84% in 2024.
IHREC claimed that this is a “negative trend” and is a “clear cause for concern”. Only 40% of people believe efforts to combat discrimination in Ireland have been effective – which the IHREC claimed demonstrates “a crisis of confidence” in leadership.
Some 14% of respondents said they experienced racism in the past year, up from 10% in 2024; The figure was 66% among non-white Irish, while disabled people reported similar challenges. Some 16% reported discrimination, while 37% witnessed disability-based discrimination.
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