ESRI Newsletter | July & August

Dear Reader,

This newsletter takes a break every summer, meaning this edition covers both July and August.

In July, we published Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter Annual Report. This report found that female leadership rates are improving across financial services among Charter signatories. The average proportion of women at executive committee level increased by 3.2 percentage points to 34%.

Issues of equal opportunity were also explored in our recent education research. As students prepare to return to the classroom, our working paper on school device mandates offers important insights into digital access in education. This research examines how Irish post-primary schools are increasingly requiring students to have their own devices. The findings suggest that these practices can deepen pre-existing socio-economic inequalities and perpetuate a digital divide in education.

Looking ahead, we have plenty of events on the horizon. On 8 September we will publish the sixth annual report from our partnership with Community Foundation Ireland and Trinity College Dublin, examining poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland. This report sets the agenda and informs debate on inequality and poverty, in particular child poverty. A limited number of tickets remain available. Registration details are below. 

Our much-anticipated Post-Budget Briefing will be held at the ESRI on 9 October. During this session, our Tax, Welfare and Pensions team will provide an in-depth analysis of the 2027 Budget and its implications for different groups and households. It promises to be an insightful session that will help shape future policy discussions.

Finally, as the ESRI relies on our sponsors, patrons and corporate members to support our research work, I am delighted to welcome Croke Park and The Land Development Agency (LDA) as valued corporate members.

Regards, 

Professor Martina Lawless 

Director