Unequal Chances? Inequalities in Mortality in Ireland

Abstract

The mission of the Economic and Social Research Institute is to advance evidencebased policymaking that supports economic sustainability and social progress in Ireland. ESRI researchers apply the highest standards of academic excellence to challenges facing policymakers, focusing on 12 areas of critical importance to 21 st Century Ireland.The Institute was founded in 1960 by a group of senior civil servants led by Dr T.K. Whitaker, who identified the need for independent and in-depth research analysis to provide a robust evidence base for policymaking in Ireland.Since then, the Institute has remained committed to independent research and its work is free of any expressed ideology or political position. The Institute publishes all research reaching the appropriate academic standard, irrespective of its findings or who funds the research.The quality of its research output is guaranteed by a rigorous peer review process. ESRI researchers are experts in their fields and are committed to producing work that meets the highest academic standards and practices.The work of the Institute is disseminated widely in books, journal articles and reports. ESRI publications are available to download, free of charge, from its website. Additionally, ESRI staff communicate research findings at regular conferences and seminars.The ESRI is a company limited by guarantee, answerable to its members and governed by a Council, comprising 14 members who represent a cross-section of ESRI members from academia, civil services, state agencies, businesses and civil society. The Institute receives an annual grant-in-aid from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to support the scientific and public interest elements of the Institute's activities; the grant accounted for an average of 30 per cent of the Institute's income over the lifetime of the last Research Strategy. The remaining funding comes from research programmes supported by government departments and agencies, public bodies and competitive research programmes.

The equality impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Irish labour market

“…Physical health risks of the COVID-19 virus were strongly related to age, with only 10 per cent of deaths among those under 65 (HPSC, 2023). Duffy et al (2022) show that deaths were somewhat less prevalent among those in professional/ managerial occupations, though effects are most marked for those under 65. Given illhealth is more prevalent among disadvantaged communities, it is possible that the effects of health resources being directed to fighting the pandemic, such as missed appointments, may have been disproportionately borne by disadvantaged individuals.…”

“…Regarding mortality rates, Duffy et al (2022) found some evidence that some non-White and non-Irish-born/Irish nationals accounted for a higher share of COVID-19 deaths than their respective shares of the 65+ population. 29…”

The impact of a student-led anti-racism programme on medical students’ perceptions and awareness of racial bias in medicine and confidence to advocate against racism

“…For example, in Ireland mothers who were born in Africa have a higher perinatal mortality rate compared to Irish-born mothers. ‘Black’, ‘Asian’ or ‘Eastern-European’ patients accounted for a higher proportion of COVID-19-related deaths in those over 65 years old in Ireland, and health disparities are stark for the minority Irish Traveller group [ 11 , 12 ].…”