90% of Irish people worried about the daily cost of living due to price increases

Seán McCárthaigh

More than 9 out of 10 Irish people are worried about the daily cost of living due to price increases, according to the findings of a major EU-wide survey published by the European Commission.

The study also revealed that Irish people have the second highest level of concern about the future because of the affordability of housing.

They also have some of the lowest levels of satisfaction among EU citizens for access to quality childcare and healthcare.

The Eurobarometer survey entitled Investing in Fairness assessed the attitudes of EU citizens on various aspects of fairness and social inclusion, including economic stability and quality of life.

It found that 91 per cent of Irish respondents claimed they were worried about the future of their household due to the daily cost of living as a result of rising prices.

It was the 9th highest rate among the 27 EU member states where 88 per cent overall were concerned about daily living costs.

Concern levels ranged from a low of 47 per cent in Denmark to 97 per cent in Portugal.

Like most Europeans, Irish respondents also expressed concern about the reduced quality of public services, child poverty and housing affordability.

Six out of 10 Irish people said they were worried about their ability to pay either rent or a mortgage, while a similar proportion said they were concerned they were not receiving a fair salary based on their skills and experience.

The survey showed 92 per cent expressed worry about the affordability of housing with only Portugal having a higher rate than Ireland. The EU average was 82 per cent.

Ireland also recorded the 7th highest level of concern about the reduced quality of public services with 90 per cent worried about access to services like hospitals, childcare and schools.

On a positive note, 39 per cent of Irish people said they were unconcerned about the quality of education in Ireland – the 6th highest rate and more than twice the EU average of 18 per cent.

The Eurobarometer poll, which surveyed over 26,000 people across the EU, including over 1,000 in the Republic, also assessed the public’s view on job satisfaction.

It showed that Irish workers were less concerned that most Europeans that their skills were becoming less valuable because of digital changes in society.

The report also revealed that almost two-thirds of Irish workers (64 per cent) – the same figure as the EU average – are worried about the future because of a lack of job opportunities.

Workers as well as unemployed people in Ireland emphasised the importance of training more than most Europeans with Irish citizens among the most willing to take part in training to develop their skills for using digital technologies in their daily work.

Irish respondents were also among the strongest supporters of favouring programmes which would ensure young people had access to childcare, education, training and affordable housing.

The European Commission said the report’s findings would be instrumental in shaping policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.

It claimed the high level of satisfaction found among EU citizens with their current job indicated a general contentment with employment conditions across the EU.

Ireland recorded the joint 2nd highest job satisfaction rate together with Finland and the Netherlands at 93 per cent after Denmark, while the EU average was 85 per cent.

However, the European Commission noted that only a narrow majority of Europeans were satisfied with access to quality healthcare and social services which demonstrated the need for more substantial efforts in these areas.