Just over a third of people in Ireland would support higher taxes if it led to better public services, according to a new study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). The report found that 35% of respondents thought taxes were already too high, while 25% preferred keeping them at current levels.
Around 34% of participants said they would accept higher taxes if the increase translated into improved or expanded services. Among 27 European countries surveyed, Ireland ranks sixth in willingness to pay more for public benefits.
The ESRI, working with Community Foundation Ireland, highlighted that public support for government action to reduce income inequality has remained consistently high and sits above the European average. Women, younger people, those facing financial difficulties, and working-class citizens showed the strongest support for policies aimed at reducing inequality. Political beliefs and perceptions of fairness also influenced responses.
The report noted particularly strong backing for government spending on older adults and childcare for working families, compared with support for aid to the unemployed. While similar patterns are seen across Europe, the differences between these groups are smaller in Ireland, suggesting a broader consensus on the value of social spending.
The study also examined perceptions of social benefits, finding that 64% of people believe such programs help prevent poverty. However, this view was temporarily weakened following a government campaign in 2017 highlighting welfare fraud.
The impact of economic shocks was also evident. People who lost jobs or experienced reduced incomes during the Covid-19 pandemic were more likely to support measures to reduce income inequality, reflecting how personal experience shapes attitudes toward social protection.
Dr. Daniel Capistrano, ESRI researcher and co-author of the report, said the findings indicate strong social backing for enhancing the welfare state in Ireland. “Policymakers have a favourable environment to design and implement policies that meet the demands for better distribution of income, opportunities, and living conditions,” he said.
Denise Charlton, CEO of Community Foundation Ireland, said the study highlights a shared sense of fairness and equality in Irish society, even amid complex social and economic challenges. “These findings will inform our work as a philanthropic hub with an equality mission and guide our 5,000 community, voluntary, and charitable partners,” she said.
The study underscores the potential for Irish policymakers to pursue reforms aimed at improving public services and reducing inequality. Public willingness to accept higher taxes, especially when targeted toward essential social programs, suggests broad support for efforts to strengthen social protections and address disparities in income and opportunity.
