Research in this area addresses complex policy issues critical to improving population health outcomes and promoting quality of life for people in Ireland. A team of multidisciplinary researchers provide policymakers with reliable data and analysis to inform the development of effective policy responses to the most pressing issues facing the healthcare system today.

Key issues addressed include the necessity of devising appropriate financing models to deliver high-quality care and identifying the causes of persistent inequalities in healthcare outcomes across socioeconomic groups. Research also focuses on informing sustainable, cost-effective responses to the 21st Century challenges of a growing and ageing population and rapidly changing technologies in the healthcare sector.

For decades, researchers at the ESRI have conducted analysis dedicated to shaping more effective policy on health and quality of life and have produced publications on a wide range of significant topics. Recent publications in this area have addressed issues such as the costs of universal health insurance, workplace safety and utilisation of healthcare services by older people.