The Vincentian Partnership for Social Justice has published updated research on Minimum Essential Standards of Living (MESL) and Minimum Income Standards (MIS).
One piece of research, a review of the Minimum Essential Standard of Living baskets for Urban and Rural Household types, focuses on a review of the minimum essential standards as previously assessed in 2006. The review used focus groups to determine changing attitudes of the public on what is considered necessary to constitute a Minimum Essential Standard of Living. The review established that there has been no fundamental shift in what was considered necessary and the dominant view remains that what constitutes a minimum essential standard of living extends beyond survival and should allow full participation in society. The updated research also for the first time considers necessary standards for households with up to four children. Previously, only one or two parent households with two children were considered.
Other recent research reports published by the Vincentian Partnership include the Minimum Income Standard for Ireland. This report establishes the Minimum Income Standard for a range of household types. The Cost of A Child report then considers the costs of children at different stages of childhood.