ESRI Newsletter | May 2026

Dear Reader,

New ESRI research published this past month indicated that 76% of 17-year-olds in Ireland report experiencing some type of discrimination at least a few times a year. This proportion falls to 66% at age 25. These experiences are associated with poorer mental health and wellbeing outcomes. These are concerningly high levels and raise important questions about how young people are faring in Ireland.

Also focusing on young people, we published research on the effects of the pandemic. While young people faced common challenges, family resources shaped their experiences, with income shocks and disruption to family and peer relationships having longer-term effects on wellbeing. The findings point to the importance of incorporating youth wellbeing into planning for any future crises. 

Beyond our research activity, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh as Chairperson of the ESRI Council, succeeding Sean O’Driscoll, to whom we are very grateful for his leadership and service.

We also recently welcomed Pfizer and Beaumont Hospital as corporate members to the ESRI. They join a wide range of organisations that support our independent research, and we are pleased to have them on board. A full list of members is available on our website.

Turning to events, we have a busy summer programme, with five events currently open for registration on our website. On 23 June, we will publish three papers for this year’s Budget Perspectives conference, covering topics including in-work poverty, occupational pensions and fiscal drag. This event is typically heavily subscribed, so I encourage you to register early.

Towards the end of June, we will publish our Summer Quarterly Economic Commentary, a key publication for understanding current economic trends.

Regards, 
 

Professor Martina Lawless
Director