The minimum standards data is widely used in the policy debate across government departments, in analysis by NGOs, contributes to the annual Budget process, and at a practical level it is used by organisations working directly with people such as SVP and MABS. Through this research the VPSJ plays an active role in trying to ensure a fairer society for all. The distinctive strength of the research approach is its grounding in reality and lived experience of people. The VPSJ’s MEBS research centre continues to be the only organisation carrying out this work in Ireland. The VPSJ has pioneered the use of the Consensual Budget Standards methodology in Ireland and its application to establishing minimum expenditure and income needs. The Minimum Essential Budget Standards (MEBS) Research Centre was established by the VPSJ in 2016, as the next step in over 17 years of income adequacy research (of which 15 years focused on budget standards research). It shines a light on the extent to which individuals and households can afford a minimum standard of living is a unique benchmark, grounded in the lived experience of people, which complements other poverty measures.counts the actual weekly cost of all the over 2,000 items (goods and services) needed to enable a socially acceptable minimum standard of living.

is a minimum standard for everyone, not just those in poverty.

is the minimum needed to live and partake in Irish society today, meeting the physical, psychological and social needs of individuals and households.

is decided by members of the public, agreeing on what is needed to live at an acceptable dignified standard and participate in Irish society.

is a standard of living which no one should be expected to live below.It produces detailed household budgets which establish what is needed for an acceptable Minimum Essential Standard of Living (MESL), for 90% of households in Ireland. The research is informed by expert knowledge as needed, e.g. The research is focus group led, working with members of the public to establish social consensus on what is needed for a minimum living standard. What is Minimum Essential Budget Standards research?

Household budget percentage breakdown