Not everyone is equal in our two-tier State

A new report highlights how Ireland is progressing – but issues remain, writes Environment Editor Paul Melia

IRISH people can expect to live longer and healthier lives than most of our European neighbours, are less likely to own a car, and have the lowest divorce rates across the EU.

The Central Statistics Office says we have among the highest fertility rates, had the highest proportion of mathematics, science and technology (Stem) graduates in the EU in 2014, and 87pc of households have internet access, higher than the average.

The ‘Measuring Ireland’s Progress 2016’ report paints a view of the social, economic, environmental, health and education situation in Ireland, and while notable improvements are noted, issues remain.

On the environment, while the amount of waste being landfilled dropped by 70pc to 536,5000 tonnes between 2004 and 2014, we under-utilise our rail network and insist on transporting freight by road, which adds to emissions.

Gender parity remains a pipe dream for many – despite being better educated, women were paid 13.9pc an hour less than men in 2014. This compares with 16.3pc across the EU.

And while the economy continues to grow and Government debt falls, one in eight people lives in a jobless household, the sixth-highest rate in the EU. Also, 15.9pc of people aged 18-24 are not in employment, education or training, higher than the 15.2pc EU average.

Here, we outline how Ireland compares with our nearest neighbours.