ESRI Newsletter | October 2024

Dear Reader,

October was a busy month for the Institute, so I’ll share just a few key highlights with you here.

Our report on disability prevalence among young people found that 13-year-olds are more likely to be recorded as having a disability compared to a decade ago. Using Growing Up in Ireland data, it also found that young people with a disability have fewer friends, are less positive about school and are less involved in activities like sport. These findings highlight the importance of a joined-up approach in promoting the full inclusion of young people with a disability.

Another ESRI report using Growing Up in Ireland data found that family separation more than doubles the risk of economic vulnerability in families with young children. This highlights the need for increased supports for this cohort.

A population-based resource allocation (PBRA) mechanism will be introduced soon for healthcare in Ireland for the first time. It will use factors like population size, age, sex, deprivation and rurality to allocate healthcare resources. My colleagues examined the proposed mechanism in their report here. They concluded that its implementation represents not merely a policy change but a fundamental shift towards a more equitable, efficient and needs-based distribution of healthcare resources. While not perfect, this represents a step in the right direction.

Lastly, I want to note that the Gambling Regulation Bill 2022 passed through both Houses of the Oireachtas. This legislation was informed by 2023 ESRI research which examined the true extent and cause of problem gambling in Ireland. Our report estimated that 1 in 30 adults in Ireland suffer from problem gambling – a figure ten times higher than a previous estimate. I am pleased to see policymakers drawing on ESRI research to inform policy decisions.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Regards,

Professor Alan Barrett
Director