COVID-19 had, and continues to have, a strong negative effect on incomes in Ireland due to widespread job losses as the measures put in place to slow the spread of the disease resulted in severe economic restrictions. Despite the existence of unemployment supports, additional income supports...

This report presents evidence on gender inequalities in financial independence in the EU, with a particular focus on how financial independence has been defined and measured. It summarises the available data (and its limitations) and explores different methodologies and approaches for estimating...

The Yearly Average Method used in calculating State Contributory Pension entitlements has been criticised for creating anomalies, particularly for women. It has been announced that from 2034 onwards, entitlements will be based fully on the new Total Contributions Approach. This paper examines...

Trade-offs exist in protecting those on lower incomes and ensuring an adequate incentive to work. If benefit entitlements and other supports are withdrawn sharply as income rises, there may be a financial disincentive to enter employment or to work more. The same is true for tax and social...