ESRI Newsletter | September
Dear Reader,
We kicked off September in true ‘back to school’ style with the publication of several reports on education. One report examined student out-migration from Northern Ireland and found that the common ‘brain drain’ narrative, where young people leave to pursue third-level education in Britain and do not return, is not supported by the evidence.
The study finds that levels of student out-migration from Northern Ireland are not unusually high by UK standards. Rather, decisions about where to study are shaped by a wide range of educational, social and personal factors. The greater challenge lies in attracting students to Northern Ireland and in strengthening both post-secondary, non-tertiary pathways and local employment opportunities for graduates.
Another report, funded by the Tusla Education Support Service (TESS), examined school absence. It found higher rates among children from non-employed families, those whose mothers have lower levels of education, families experiencing financial strain and lone-parent households. These findings suggest that improving school attendance requires broader anti-child poverty policies.
We also published our sixth annual Poverty, income inequality and living standards in Ireland report in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland. I was struck by its finding that the number of children in households below the poverty line rose to 200,000 (17.4%) in 2024, an increase of almost 30,000 children. After housing costs were taken into account, child poverty increased by 40,000 to 260,000 children (22.7%). Behind these figures are children and families facing financial pressure, with potential long-term consequences for educational opportunity and social inclusion.
Finally, we published our Quarterly Economic Commentary, Autumn 2026. The Irish economy continues to perform well, but there are some concerning international trends. The ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive higher energy prices, while central banks have responded by increasing short-term interest rates. It warns that budget decisions must trade off domestic challenges and international risks.
These competing pressures will shape the context for Budget 2027, which we will discuss at our annual, and always highly anticipated, Post-Budget Briefing on Friday, 9 October. You can find registration details below.
Regards,
Professor Martina Lawless
Director