Public Support for Welfare and Redistributive Policies: Key Insights from New Community Foundation Ireland & ESRI Research
- Mar 3
- 2 min read
by: Uyi Austine, Community Foundation Ireland
Community Foundation Ireland, in partnership with Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), have just launched pioneering research into Public Support for Welfare and Redistributive Policies, full report here.
Understanding public attitudes is key to informing, advancing, and delivering fair and inclusive welfare policies.
This research and the Foundation’s partnership with the ESRI is another right step to provide evidence-based insights to achieve their mission of Equality For All in Thriving Communities.
The research reveals a broad public understanding and appreciation of welfare and the role it plays in reducing the wealth and income gap in Ireland.
Denise Charlton, Chief Executive of Community Foundation at the research launch said, “Even at a time of huge uncertainty with many competing demands and pressures on public finances, people remain steadfast in their support for a fairer distribution of income or wealth.”
This support is hugely encouraging to individuals and organisations committed to equality:
76% agree that Government must act to reduce income differences.
64% believe that ‘social benefits help prevent poverty’.
53% view social benefits as important to achieving a fair and equal society.
34% would support higher taxes if it meant more or better public services.
While the report has many positive findings, it also offers some notes of caution:
There is a higher level of support for government spending on older people and on childcare for working families than for those who are unemployed. There is strong overall support for welfare in Ireland, but negative stereotypes and misconceptions toward the system still exist. Negative framing of welfare not only affects support for policy but also changes perceptions of those reliant on welfare.
There is a responsibility for all those shaping public discourse to recognise the impact of their messaging and language. It is also critical to confront and correct misconceptions about welfare in political and public debate.
When there is a better understanding or an experience with welfare and social protection, there is higher support for its policies. For instance, those who lost their jobs or had their income reduced during the pandemic showed higher support for reducing income inequality.
Community Foundation Ireland views research, evidence and findings such as those from the ESRI as essential in achieving our equality mission. We are proud to leverage the power of philanthropy to undertake such through-provoking research that can shape fairer policy and achieve a more equal Ireland.
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