Two-Thirds of 25-Year-Olds in Ireland Experience Discrimination, ESRI Study Finds

Research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) reveals that two in three 25-year-olds in Ireland experience some form of discrimination. The study, «Perceived discrimination and young people’s health and wellbeing in Ireland: A longitudinal analysis», utilized data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, interviewing individuals born in 1998 at ages 17 and 25.

At age 17, 76% reported discrimination, primarily linked to age. By 25, this figure dropped to 66%, with gender becoming the most cited ground. The Everyday Discrimination Scale (EDS) measured experiences like being «treated with less courtesy or respect». Young men had higher EDS scores at 17, while young women had higher scores at 25. At both ages, LGBTQ+ youth and those with disabilities reported higher discrimination. At 25, minority ethnic groups also showed higher scores.

Non-religious youth had higher EDS scores than Catholics. Non-Irish citizens had lower overall EDS scores, except for discrimination based on accent. Increased online time was linked to higher EDS scores. Discrimination at 25 correlated with lower life satisfaction, general health, and self-esteem, and a higher likelihood of depression and problematic alcohol use. The report suggests legislation as a deterrent and calls for better resourcing for youth mental health services and strong anti-discrimination policies.