Minimum Essential Standards of Living research in Ireland

This chapter focuses on the history and development of budget standards research in Ireland, from the Low Cost but Acceptable approach that was used to assess adequacy to the more recent adoptions of the Minimum Income Standards methodology. It talks about the Minimum Essential Standards of Living (MESL), which is rooted in social consensus about the goods and services that everyone in Ireland should be able to afford. It also discusses the United Nations' definition of a “minimum acceptable standard of living.” The chapter analyzes the most recent MESL results that are discussed in the context of social welfare adequacy. It also points out how the MESL research has had an impact in policy debates around adequacy in Ireland.