Dublin: A new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reveals that almost 20% of people in Ireland were at risk of poverty at least once between 2015 and 2023.
Between 2016 and 2023, an average of 22% of the population experienced material deprivation over two-year periods. Of these, nearly half faced persistent deprivation, a third were exiting deprivation, and a quarter were newly entering it.
The report identifies lone-parent families, large households, and homes with a working-age adult with a disability as facing the highest risks of persistent poverty and deprivation. Children in lone-parent families were particularly affected, with 33% persistently deprived and 21% persistently at risk of poverty.
Impact of Pandemic and Policy Gaps
A post-pandemic rise in deprivation was observed, especially among lone parents, single adults aged 30–65, and those over 65. The report attributes the heightened impact on older adults to the freeze in state pensions during 2020–2021.
The annual at-risk-of-poverty (AROP) rate fell from 16% in 2016 to 11% in 2023. However, material deprivation rose from 14% in 2021 to 17% in 2023. On average, 5% of people were both at risk of poverty and materially deprived.
The ESRI stresses the need for tailored social welfare adjustments to address varying forms of poverty. Timely support for pensions and welfare payments is deemed essential to shield vulnerable groups from inflation and economic shocks.
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