ESRI March 2024 Newsletter

Message from the Director

Dear Reader,

I often reflect on the many topics explored at the Institute, and this month certainly demonstrates that breadth.

Firstly, a report on pornography use among young adults in Ireland found that 64% of 20-year-old men use online pornography. I was particularly struck by the finding that men who use pornography have poorer wellbeing than non-users. They also report less satisfaction with their lives, more depressive symptoms, and a poorer self-image. The direction of causation is unclear but this is an important issue for further research.

Another timely ESRI report Attitudes towards immigration and refugees in Ireland: Understanding recent trends and drivers found that most people in Ireland are supportive of immigration. Although it also identified some very recent declines in support, attitudes to immigration remain more positive in Ireland than elsewhere.

Lastly, our Quarterly Economic Commentary Spring 2024 generated a notable amount of interest. Unlike 2023, it forecasts positive growth in 2024 and 2025 across all major economic indicators. Despite considerable challenges such as infrastructural bottlenecks and geopolitical tensions, the Commentary paints a relatively upbeat picture, with declining inflation and rising real wages.

In terms of upcoming events, on 10th April, Minister Roderic O’Gorman TD will launch our next Shared Island report Gender and Labour Market Inclusion on the island of Ireland. It promises to be an interesting event exploring how factors such as policies, education and attitudes impact the labour market participation and working conditions of women and men in Ireland and Northern Ireland. You can register below. Lastly, looking to the summer, our highly anticipated Budget Perspectives Conference is planned for 13th June. Do please save the date.

Regards, 

Professor Alan Barrett 
Director