Trust in Irish Society Remains Strong, but Confidence in Institutions Shows Mixed Trends

The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has released the findings of its Trust Survey 2025, providing an updated picture of how people in Ireland view one another, public institutions, government services, and emerging technologies. While interpersonal trust remains exceptionally high, confidence in several institutions has shifted since the previous survey in 2023. One of the survey's most striking findings is that Ireland continues to be a high-trust society. Nearly four in five respondents (79 per cent) said they trust most people, although this represents a slight decline from 83 per cent recorded in 2023. High levels of interpersonal trust are often associated with stronger communities, increased civic participation, and improved social wellbeing. Despite the modest decrease, the findings suggest that public confidence in fellow citizens remains a defining characteristic of Irish society.

Confidence in Public Institutions Varies

The survey reveals differing levels of trust across public institutions. Trust in local government has improved, rising from 41 per cent in 2023 to 44 per cent in 2025, suggesting growing confidence in local authorities and the services they provide. This is really important as it is local government that most citizens interact directly with. However, trust in national government has declined slightly, falling from 47 per cent to 44 per cent. This would indicate that public opinion towards national leadership remains evenly divided, with fewer than half of respondents expressing trust. Political parties continue to attract the lowest levels of public confidence. Although trust increased marginally from 26 per cent to 27 per cent, the figures indicate that political organisations continue to face significant challenges in building public trust.

Among Ireland's public institutions, the Gardaí remain one of the most trusted. Seventy percent of respondents said they trust An Garda Síochána, the same level as reported in 2023. This consistency suggests continued public confidence in policing and law enforcement despite changing political and social circumstances. 

One of the more notable changes recorded in the survey concerns international organisations. Trust fell from 64 per cent in 2023 to 57 per cent in 2025. While a majority of respondents still express confidence in organisations such as the United Nations, the decline may reflect broader international uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, or changing public perceptions of global institutions.

Public trust in the news media remains relatively unchanged. 46 per cent of respondents expressed trust in news organisations, compared with 47 per cent in 2023. The results indicate that opinions remain divided, with trust levels hovering below the halfway mark.

Beyond Trust

The Trust Survey extends beyond institutional confidence to examine wider aspects of civic life. It includes analysis of satisfaction with government services, public expectations of service delivery, political participation and voting behaviour and public attitudes towards the use of artificial intelligence in government. These topics provide policymakers with valuable insights into citizens' experiences and expectations of public administration in an increasingly digital society.

The Trust Survey 2025 paints a nuanced picture of public confidence in Ireland. Trust between people remains remarkably high, reinforcing Ireland's reputation as a socially cohesive society. At the same time, confidence in public institutions varies considerably. As governments increasingly adopt digital services and explore artificial intelligence, understanding public trust will remain central to effective policymaking. The CSO's findings provide an important benchmark for monitoring how confidence in institutions evolves over time and where efforts to strengthen public engagement may be needed. 

National Social Dialogue 

A strong and effective social dialogue process is urgently needed to address the complex and interconnected challenges facing Ireland that can impact on trust levels. While these issues cannot be solved quickly, meaningful progress can be achieved through a constructive dialogue that tackles both current and future concerns and ensures all stakeholders have a voice in transparent decision-making. The Community and Voluntary Pillar offers an important platform for such dialogue and should be actively engaged by Government across the wide range of policy areas in which its members are involved. 

Transparency and accountability must underpin all aspects of governance, and social dialogue plays a key role in supporting these principles. Governance based on these foundations can and should be further developed in Ireland. If Government is genuinely committed to long-term wellbeing, sustainable public finances in a ever changing world, decarbonising the economy, transforming the energy sector, and preparing for digital and technological change, it must establish structures that engage all sectors at a national level. 

Reforming governance and broadening participation should remain central priorities, alongside a stronger commitment to including all stakeholders in decision-making. A deliberative approach, one grounded in reasoned, evidence-based discussion and involving all stakeholders is essential. Meaningful participation also requires recognising that everyone has the right to help shape the society they live in and the decisions that affect them. In the 21st century, this extends beyond simply voting in elections and referenda. Ireland needs consistent, structured forms of deliberative democracy to ensure that all groups and sectors can actively contribute to shaping the kind of society it seeks to build.