One in three would pay higher taxes for better public services, ESRI finds

New ESRI research shows significant support for higher taxes if they deliver stronger public services and reduced inequality

One in three people would pay higher taxes if it meant more or better public services, a new study from the ESRI found.

One in three people would pay higher taxes if it meant improved public services, a new study from the ESRI has found.

The research, conducted by the ESRI in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, found that 35% of respondents believe taxes in Ireland are too high, 25% think taxes should remain at the same level, and 34% would accept higher taxes if it meant more or better public services.

Dr Daniel Capistrano, researcher at the ESRI and co-author of the report, said:  “This report shows a solid social support for enhancing the welfare state in Ireland. Policymakers have a favourable environment to design and implement policies that meet the demands for better distribution of income, opportunities and living conditions in Ireland.”

The study draws on data from the European Social Survey, a nationally representative survey conducted every two years in most European countries since 2002.

The analysis also uses data from the Voter Survey of the European Election Studies (EES), An Coimisiún Toghcháin's National Election and Democracy Study, and the Eurobarometer.

The research found that public support for Government action to reduce income inequality has remained consistently high and stands above the European average.

The report shows that support for reducing income inequality is stronger among women, younger people, those in a worse financial situation and working-class respondents.

Those who lost their jobs or experienced income reductions during the pandemic also showed higher levels of support for reducing income inequality.