Increase in people who perceive inequality

ALMOST NINE in 10 people think there is economic inequality in Ireland, which is a marked increase since the recession began.

The result was contained in a survey of 1,000 people which was conducted by Behaviour and Attitudes on behalf of equality think tank, Tasc.

It found that 87 per cent of respondents believed wealth was unfairly distributed, an increase of 60 per cent on a 2008 survey.

The research found the number of people willing to pay for improved public services has decreased since the recession began. Over one-third (35 per cent) of people across the State were willing to pay higher taxes to achieve public services “that countries like Sweden have”. This was a fall from 41 per cent in 2008.

Dublin respondents were more willing to pay higher taxes for improved public services than elsewhere. Almost half (47 per cent) were very or fairly willing to pay more.

Greatest opposition to higher taxation for improved public services was in Connacht and Ulster.

Over half of respondents in these regions were “not at all willing” to support the idea, while a fifth were “not very willing”.

Most respondents believed the Government should actively take steps to reduce wealth inequality. Some 91 per cent of respondents thought it should take active steps to reduce the income gap.

Respondents under 25 were most in favour of an increase in the minimum wage (23 per cent). Older respondents were most supportive of a wage cap (39 per cent).