ESRI Newsletter, June 2023
Dear Reader,
June is always a busy month in the ESRI. We began by examining social inclusion and poverty indicators but noted some of the European measurements don’t accurately capture the challenges faced by people in Ireland. There is scope for improved indicators in education, housing and health.
Budget Perspectives 2024 saw three papers presented in the Royal College of Physicians across a variety of issues. The Tax, Welfare and Pensions team noted that extending childcare credits to childminders could reduce costs for some families. An examination of cliff edges and the lack of adequate healthcare coverage among renters was also discussed.
Our paper on problem gambling notes that approximately 12,000 adults in Ireland have been recorded as problem gamblers, with tens of thousands more recorded as being at risk from problem gambling. The study found that problem gambling is more prevalent among young men, people in disadvantaged communities and those with addiction issues and mental health problems. This is the first report in a planned series and we’re very proud to be leading research into this social problem which impacts so many families across the country.
On 29 June, the Quarterly Economic Commentary Summer 2023 was published. There is an expectation of a significant surplus in the Government Balance in 2023 and 2024 - taxation receipts in the first 5 months of the year are already 10% above their level in 2022. The authors note that any further contraction in the pharma or ICT sectors may lead to downward revisions in export growth and lower the growth outlook. We were fortunate to have John FitzGerald, a Research Affiliate at the ESRI, contribute a Special Article which accompanied the QEC. Understanding the Irish economy drew headlines, particularly around the finding that a third of the wages paid in the Irish economy came from Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) in 2021.
On 21 June, Ireland’s Women in Finance Charter: Annual Report 2023 was published. The ESRI is the data partner to the Charter, an initiative that seeks to improve female representation in financial services firms operating in Ireland. The report outlines the progress signatories have made towards increased gender balance in 2022. Among the 56 signatories (more have signed up for this year), female representation on boards increased to 37%, up from 32% the prior year. Among actions respondents found most effective for increasing gender balance included improved flexible working options (52% of respondents) and examining gender balance in succession planning (49%).
We also published our Review of Research 2022 in early June. This annual publication looks back on our publications and work from last year and you can read it online or pick up a copy in our building. See our events section below for upcoming launches and conferences.
Regards,
Professor Alan Barrett
Director