When adjusted for inflation, real household income increased by 2.4pc. The gap between Ireland’s highest and lowest earning households remains stark, with the poorest 10pc of households bringing in €329 a week compared with €3,496 for the richest 10pc, according to the CSO. The consistent poverty rate stood at 4.7pc in 2025, slightly lower than 5pc recorded in 2024, though still higher than 3.6pc in 2023. Among those aged under 18, the consistent poverty rate was 7.8pc, though this was down from 8.5pc the previous year. The SILC survey is the measure of household income and living standards, collecting data on earnings from employment, social welfare and other sources.

Source: Irish Independent March 11, 2026 23:45 UTC