An exploration of
Hygiene Poverty in Ireland
Ireland's First Hygiene Poverty Research
"65% of respondents ... reported difficulty affording essential hygiene items in the previous 12 months."
Hygiene Hub, funded by the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission, has undertaken research with Trinity College Dublin to uncover the impact of hygiene poverty in Ireland—the first study of its kind. Over six months, Dr. Joe Whelan and Jo Green from TCD conducted an in-depth investigation, including literature reviews, focus groups, workshops, an indicative survey, and interviews to inform this report.
This comprehensive report delves into the complex nature of hygiene poverty, highlighting the diverse range of items that constitute an essential hygiene toolkit required across the course of our lives – from birth through adulthood and into later life.
The study suggests that experiences of hygiene poverty and deprivation are prevalent but often remain hidden, as it is not considered within the broader context of poverty and hardship.
While Ireland's current measures do not explicitly include access to personal hygiene items, the research suggests that incorporating hygiene-related needs into deprivation indices would provide a more accurate depiction of individuals and households experiencing hygiene deprivation.
You can read the full report and executive summary below
