Growing attention to economic inequality has, in recent decades, lead to a general consensus that effective government policies should be progressive if the aim is to foster inclusive growth and generalised improvements in wellbeing and living conditions. Individuals usually live in households and base their standard of living on their collective household income. In this context it is important to describe the nature, shape and composition of the distribution of household income in order to gain a better understanding of the economy and society and the potential impact of various policy options.
In this Research inBrief the latest available data for income available from the CSO is used to examine the Republic of Ireland’s household income distribution, looking at both gross and disposable income.
