Stock image: PASever disability is higher in the Northern Ireland population than in the Republic, a new ESRI report has found. Meanwhile, higher educational attainment was “strongly associated” with lower disability rates, particularly in Northern Ireland, the report found. Overall disability rates among 20- to 69-year-olds are very similar north and south – 23pc in Northern Ireland and 22pc in Ireland. The legacy of the Troubles in Northern Ireland is also known to have affected disability rates. Severe disability refers to those reporting “limited a lot” (Northern Ireland) or “to a great extent” (Ireland).

Source: Irish Independent April 02, 2026 05:01 UTC