This year’s poll was undertaken by Ipsos B&A with a nationally representative sample of 1,243 adults, with some of the key findings as follows:
Economic Equality
Most respondents felt that the distribution of wealth is inequitable with only 13% feeling that Ireland’s wealth is distributed fairly across the population and 72% disagreeing with this sentiment. 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.
Equality
62% of respondents agreed they have equal opportunities, representing a marginal decrease since 2024, with 21% actively disagreeing with this sentiment. Males and those aged over 65 are more likely to believe they have equal opportunities in Ireland compared to females or younger aged cohorts.
80% of respondents agreed that no matter who you are or where you come from, you should be treated equally, which is a decrease compared to 2024 (84%) and 2023 (85%). This was lowest amongst respondents in the Connaught/ Ulster region at 71%.
Discrimination
Only two in five respondents thought that the efforts made in Ireland to fight all forms of discrimination are effective, with 28% feeling the efforts are not effective. Perceived ineffectiveness has increased year-on-year, with females, those aged 18-24 and those who have experienced racism/discrimination in the past 12 months being less likely to say efforts have been successful.
Disability
Opinions are polarised as to whether disabled people receive equal opportunities in education.
On all other metrics, the public feel that disabled people are at a disadvantage, and particularly in terms of employment opportunities and Government support. Females are consistently less likely to believe that disabled people receive fair treatment in Irish society compared to males.
16% of those with a self-reported disability said they had directly experienced discrimination in the past 12 months, up six percentage points since last year. 15% of all respondents have witnessed discrimination due to disability in the past 12 months, rising to 37% among those aged 18-24 years old.
Racism
14% of respondents said they had experienced racism over the past 12 months, which is an increase compared to 2024 (10%) and 2023 (11%). Among non-Irish, this increases to 35%, and among non-white Irish, 66% reported they had experienced racism over the past 12 months.
31% of respondents 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 seven points on 2024.