Surveys point to 'positive' national mood

Negativism about recent trends in the quality of life in Ireland is not supported by survey evidence, the Values and Ethics conference was told.

Dr Tony Fahey, of the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), said there was a high satisfaction level with the quality of life amongst Ireland's population.

Drawing on three decades of survey evidence of values and attitudes in Irish life, Dr Fahey said: "Overall, the national mood is buoyant and has been sustained by recent economic progress while social attachment is strong and a positive outlook is widespread among the young."

Dr Fahey said there are no general indications of decline in social capital in Ireland.

He cited a survey showing an increase in participation in voluntary organisations between 1990 and 1999: in 1990, 48 per cent of the population participated in voluntary bodies compared to 57 per cent in 1999 - an increase of 9 per cent over the decade.

Dr Fahey said in a table of European countries relating to membership of voluntary groups, Ireland came 11th, coming ahead of Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal, with Sweden coming out on top.

He also cited a survey showing that Irish people came first in a European-wide league table when it came to socialising with friends, colleagues from work, at clubs and through voluntary bodies. "There is no indication of particular problems among young adults and that confidence in the public sphere is high, despite recent scandals."

Dr Fahey added that national pride has risen since the 1980s, especially amongst young adults, while there has been a notable rise in confidence in the education system among young adults. "Negativism undermines effectiveness where an over-gloomy diagnosis distracts attention from the very many specific problems which require specific solutions."

Earlier, Ms Lorna Gold, a policy analyst with Trócaire, told the conference that "true freedom can never be obtained through isolation or self-interest, but through building relationships centred on solidarity, sharing and even love".

She said: "No society, and certainly no economy, is capable of surviving without these values. Building bridges with others dramatically increases our freedom and potential to change, but also requires a great capacity to feel empathy for our brothers and sisters."