Understanding income inequality in Ireland
Venue: Royal Irish Academy, 19 Dawson Street, Dublin 2
Speaker: Barra Roantree (ESRI & Trinity College Dublin)
Abstract: This paper examines how household income is distributed in Ireland today, how that compares to the past and to our neighbours in Europe. It finds that strong and balanced growth over the past 30 years – averaging around 4.5% annually – has acted to reduce disposable income inequality on most measures. However, market income inequality has risen at the top and now stands among the highest in Europe. The paper investigates the reasons for such high levels of market income inequality and considers the implications for policy, in particular for the design of our tax and benefit system.
Non-members are welcome to attend and participate in the discussion.