SOME 84% OF the Irish public is “worried” about the cost of living.

That’s according to a survey commissioned by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC), which also found that fewer than one in seven believe the government is doing enough to address the issue.

This figure is down sharply from last year, when one in five believed that the government was doing enough to address it.

Meanwhile, close to half of respondents “fear” they will not meet household costs in the year ahead.

The IHREC said its survey also reveals that “economic inequality is eroding trust” as only 13% of people believe Ireland’s wealth is distributed fairly.

Males and those aged 18-24 were more likely to believe that Ireland’s wealth is distributed fairly, compared to females or older aged cohorts.

And while 80% of people agree that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of who they are or where they come from, this sentiment is diminishing annually – down from 85% in 2023 and 84% last year.

The survey also asked respondents about efforts to combat discrimination in Ireland, and only four in ten believe they are effective.

Some 14% of respondents also said they experienced racism in the past year, up from 10% in 2024.

Among non-white Irish people, this figure jumps sharply to 66%.

Some 31% of respondents said they had directly witnessed racism in the past year, with younger aged cohorts and Dubliners more likely to have done so.

Among non-Irish respondents, this increases to 44%, up 7% on 2024.

The survey also found that 16% of disabled people have experienced discrimination, up from 10% in 2024.

Among 18–24-year-olds, 37% of this cohort have witnessed disability-based discrimination.

This poll was undertaken by Ipsos B&A, with a nationally representative sample of 1,243 adults.

IHREC chief commissioner Liam Herrick said the poll “shows an Ireland pulled in two directions”.

“On one hand, growing inequality and increasing reports of discrimination. On the other, a resilient and deep commitment in our society for values of fairness, solidarity and justice.”

Herrick added that the “lived experiences behind those perceptions are stark”.

“They reveal an Ireland where the promise of equality is receding,” said Herrick.

“Economic inequality, racism, and democratic erosion are not forces of nature. They are outcomes of policy, and the consequence of political choice and political rhetoric.

“And they are outcomes that can be changed by courage, action and solidarity.”