Who is Better Off: the Irish, the Northern Irish or the British? A Regional Economic Comparison

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Debates around the constitutional future of Northern Ireland quite rightly consider the cost of living and quality of life compared to that in the Republic of Ireland. But there is no simple answer as to who is better off within the two jurisdictions, nor when comparing with Great Britain. Average pay is highest in Ireland and lowest in Northern Ireland, while living costs are higher in Ireland. Inflation has particularly hit people in Northern Ireland, with costs going up much faster than pay. Welfare benefits are more generous in Ireland than in the UK, including Northern Ireland. The quality of public service provision varies between the jurisdictions, with Ireland outperforming Northern Ireland in terms of education and skills. Long waiting lists and waiting times undermine the principle of free healthcare in Northern Ireland, while Ireland is reforming its health system to extend the provision of free care.