ESRI Newsletter April 2026

April 30, 2026

Dear Reader,

What is the effect of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the labour market, and what could this mean for income inequality in Ireland? This question was explored this month in our report published with the Department of Finance, the first of its kind on the topic. The report finds that the effect of AI is highly uncertain. Across all AI adoption scenarios, income inequality is likely to increase, driven by job losses alongside rising wage and capital incomes, resulting in greater income polarisation. The analysis highlights the importance of a timely digital transition in helping to mitigate these inequality effects.

This month, we also published research examining trends in electricity prices in Ireland and across Europe between 2018 and 2024. The analysis shows that Irish electricity prices closely track natural gas prices. While many countries have reduced their reliance on gas-fired electricity generation in recent years, Ireland has been less able to diversify away from gas-fired generation. While policy interventions such as energy credits have alleviated much of the burden for consumers, Irish electricity prices have been among the most expensive in Europe.

Turning to housing, a new ESRI paper examines the emergence of cost rental—rental housing provided at non-market rents—as a feature of the Irish housing system. The findings show that cost rental offers a more affordable, higher quality and more secure option for households, with average rents 29.9% lower than market rents. As cost rental expands, achieving a sustainable balance between affordability, financial viability and broader geographic delivery will be key to embedding it as an established part of Ireland’s housing system.

Looking ahead to upcoming events, in May we will host the in‑person launch of Perceived discrimination and young people’s health and wellbeing in Ireland: A longitudinal analysis at the ESRI. This summer, we will also be co-hosting the 2026 Annual Conference of the European Consortium for Sociological Research with Trinity College Dublin, taking place from 15–17 June. The theme for this year’s conference is “Inequality by Design? Social Divides in an Age of Uncertainty”.

Regards,