Mark Henry
@drmarkhenry.bsky.social
Insight into progress and well-being in Ireland and around the world from the author of ‘In Fact: An Optimist’s Guide to Ireland at 100’. Optimism and positivity abound.
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Mark Henry
@drmarkhenry.bsky.social
· May 29
What can Ireland teach the world? | Mark Henry | TEDxTUDublin
YouTube video by TEDx Talks
www.youtube.com
What can Ireland teach the world? The Irish have never been healthier, wealthier, better educated, or happier. The country has uncovered the blueprint for national well-being, and others can learn from its success. Watch my new TEDx talk. 🇮🇪 #TEDxTUDublin
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8LO...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=o8LO...
The Irish population has nearly doubled in size in the past 60 years. Ireland had just 2.8 million people in the early 1960s, and now we're around 5.5m. This reflects a positive transformation of our fortunes, but with the challenges of accommodating such fast growth. 🇮🇪
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
November 10, 2025 at 7:51 AM
The Irish population has nearly doubled in size in the past 60 years. Ireland had just 2.8 million people in the early 1960s, and now we're around 5.5m. This reflects a positive transformation of our fortunes, but with the challenges of accommodating such fast growth. 🇮🇪
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
The Irish government's expenditure on health is the 3rd highest in the EU per person. They spend €6,000 per man, women & child every year - twice that of the average European country. No wonder we are one of the longest living and healthiest people in the EU. 🇮🇪👍
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
November 6, 2025 at 7:47 AM
The Irish government's expenditure on health is the 3rd highest in the EU per person. They spend €6,000 per man, women & child every year - twice that of the average European country. No wonder we are one of the longest living and healthiest people in the EU. 🇮🇪👍
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
Irish exports are a massive success story. We've doubled the amount of goods exported over the past decade. But the real success has been services - we now export FOUR times the value we did a decade ago. 🇮🇪📈
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
November 5, 2025 at 8:13 AM
Irish exports are a massive success story. We've doubled the amount of goods exported over the past decade. But the real success has been services - we now export FOUR times the value we did a decade ago. 🇮🇪📈
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
Ireland is the 6th freest country in the world, economically speaking. In fact, the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom Report judges Ireland to be the freest in the EU for working, transacting, contracting, and owning and using productive property. 🇮🇪👏
www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/econ...
www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/econ...
November 3, 2025 at 7:49 AM
Ireland is the 6th freest country in the world, economically speaking. In fact, the Fraser Institute's Economic Freedom Report judges Ireland to be the freest in the EU for working, transacting, contracting, and owning and using productive property. 🇮🇪👏
www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/econ...
www.fraserinstitute.org/studies/econ...
Irish men are 8cm taller today than they were a century ago thanks to better nutrition and less disease. The height of Irish men had barely changed in previous centuries, aside from those whose growth was stunted in the Great Famine. Great progress 🧍♂️🇮🇪
ourworldindata.org/grapher/aver...
ourworldindata.org/grapher/aver...
October 30, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Irish men are 8cm taller today than they were a century ago thanks to better nutrition and less disease. The height of Irish men had barely changed in previous centuries, aside from those whose growth was stunted in the Great Famine. Great progress 🧍♂️🇮🇪
ourworldindata.org/grapher/aver...
ourworldindata.org/grapher/aver...
Ireland is among the very best countries in the world in establishing and maintaining the rule of law. 🇮🇪👍 We rank 8th alongside Nordic & Western European nations and NZ. The rule of law is the foundation stone of a democratic society and imperative for social and economic development. A great result
October 29, 2025 at 7:52 AM
Ireland is among the very best countries in the world in establishing and maintaining the rule of law. 🇮🇪👍 We rank 8th alongside Nordic & Western European nations and NZ. The rule of law is the foundation stone of a democratic society and imperative for social and economic development. A great result
Ireland has the 10th best reputation of any nation in the world among G7 countries. Citizens of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK & US rated places on factors such as trust, admiration, respect, and overall image. A strong result for Ireland 🇮🇪🎉
corporatereputationlab.com/en/canada-an...
corporatereputationlab.com/en/canada-an...
October 28, 2025 at 8:03 AM
Ireland has the 10th best reputation of any nation in the world among G7 countries. Citizens of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, UK & US rated places on factors such as trust, admiration, respect, and overall image. A strong result for Ireland 🇮🇪🎉
corporatereputationlab.com/en/canada-an...
corporatereputationlab.com/en/canada-an...
Well-being levels in Ireland are among the highest in the EU. The European Commission's Social Scoreboard assess equal opportunities, fair working conditions, social protection & inclusion. Ireland is judged a best performer or better than average in 10 of 18 criteria. 🇮🇪👏
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
October 22, 2025 at 6:32 AM
Well-being levels in Ireland are among the highest in the EU. The European Commission's Social Scoreboard assess equal opportunities, fair working conditions, social protection & inclusion. Ireland is judged a best performer or better than average in 10 of 18 criteria. 🇮🇪👏
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe. There are 4+ working age people for every person aged 65 years and over. That gives us the lowest old age dependency ratio in Europe (after Luxembourg) and a good basis to support our aging population 🇮🇪🧑🧓
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
October 2, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe. There are 4+ working age people for every person aged 65 years and over. That gives us the lowest old age dependency ratio in Europe (after Luxembourg) and a good basis to support our aging population 🇮🇪🧑🧓
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
Interestingly, Irish people own far fewer cars than most Europeans. Italians own 7 cars for every 10 people, but in Ireland we own fewer than 5. Is it due to our small size, so we've less far to travel? Does our public transport do the job well for most people? 🚗🇮🇪
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
September 30, 2025 at 6:43 AM
Interestingly, Irish people own far fewer cars than most Europeans. Italians own 7 cars for every 10 people, but in Ireland we own fewer than 5. Is it due to our small size, so we've less far to travel? Does our public transport do the job well for most people? 🚗🇮🇪
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
ec.europa.eu/eurostat/sta...
Ireland has one of the lowest poverty rates in Europe. 17% of Irish people are considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion due to low incomes and material deprivation. That's one of the lowest in Europe, with only five other countries doing better.
www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-europ...
www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-europ...
September 26, 2025 at 6:58 AM
Ireland has one of the lowest poverty rates in Europe. 17% of Irish people are considered at risk of poverty or social exclusion due to low incomes and material deprivation. That's one of the lowest in Europe, with only five other countries doing better.
www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-europ...
www.visualcapitalist.com/mapped-europ...
Irish people overwhelmingly listen to American music. 57% of our top artists on Spotify are American, 24% are British, and just 8.5% are local. Only Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders listen to a greater share of American music than the Irish. 🎶
www.skoove.com/blog/spotify...
www.skoove.com/blog/spotify...
September 25, 2025 at 6:45 AM
Irish people overwhelmingly listen to American music. 57% of our top artists on Spotify are American, 24% are British, and just 8.5% are local. Only Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders listen to a greater share of American music than the Irish. 🎶
www.skoove.com/blog/spotify...
www.skoove.com/blog/spotify...
The world is becoming safer for most people. 73% of adults worldwide say they feel safe walking alone at night in their city or area - the highest level since Gallup began asking this in 2006. The next challenge is to close the gender gap whereby women feel less safe.
news.gallup.com/poll/695240/...
news.gallup.com/poll/695240/...
September 24, 2025 at 6:53 AM
The world is becoming safer for most people. 73% of adults worldwide say they feel safe walking alone at night in their city or area - the highest level since Gallup began asking this in 2006. The next challenge is to close the gender gap whereby women feel less safe.
news.gallup.com/poll/695240/...
news.gallup.com/poll/695240/...
Ireland is the 18th most innovative country in the world according to the Global Innovation Index. The World Intellectual Property Organisation ranks 130 nations on policy, education, infrastructure & knowledge creation. Ireland is Europe's 10th most innovative - its highest ranking since 2020. 🇮🇪👏
September 23, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Ireland is the 18th most innovative country in the world according to the Global Innovation Index. The World Intellectual Property Organisation ranks 130 nations on policy, education, infrastructure & knowledge creation. Ireland is Europe's 10th most innovative - its highest ranking since 2020. 🇮🇪👏
It was a thrilling experience for me to be part of the Culture Night programme. Thanks to the Institute of International & European Affairs for inviting me to speak on 'Ideas for a Better World' with Eileen Dunne & Heather Burke. Lots of great ideas floated and very thoughtful audience engagement. 👏
September 22, 2025 at 11:45 AM
It was a thrilling experience for me to be part of the Culture Night programme. Thanks to the Institute of International & European Affairs for inviting me to speak on 'Ideas for a Better World' with Eileen Dunne & Heather Burke. Lots of great ideas floated and very thoughtful audience engagement. 👏
Youth alcohol consumption in Ireland is declining. Teenagers today consume 25% less than kids in the 1990s. In fact, our children consume less alcohol than the average European. Good progress. 🇮🇪👍
alcoholireland.ie/youth-drinki...
alcoholireland.ie/youth-drinki...
September 19, 2025 at 7:06 AM
Youth alcohol consumption in Ireland is declining. Teenagers today consume 25% less than kids in the 1990s. In fact, our children consume less alcohol than the average European. Good progress. 🇮🇪👍
alcoholireland.ie/youth-drinki...
alcoholireland.ie/youth-drinki...
The Irish education system is high quality, and 71% of Irish people agree with that. Our children leave with a high level of skills in English, math, and science. Only those in Singapore are more positive about the state of their education system. 🇮🇪🧑🏫
www.ipsos.com/sites/defaul...
www.ipsos.com/sites/defaul...
September 18, 2025 at 6:58 AM
The Irish education system is high quality, and 71% of Irish people agree with that. Our children leave with a high level of skills in English, math, and science. Only those in Singapore are more positive about the state of their education system. 🇮🇪🧑🏫
www.ipsos.com/sites/defaul...
www.ipsos.com/sites/defaul...
Ireland is becoming a more equal country. No matter how you measure income inequality, it's in decline and is at the lowest levels yet recorded. This is true even when you account for rising housing costs. Let's keep that going. 🇮🇪👍
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
September 16, 2025 at 6:50 AM
Ireland is becoming a more equal country. No matter how you measure income inequality, it's in decline and is at the lowest levels yet recorded. This is true even when you account for rising housing costs. Let's keep that going. 🇮🇪👍
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
Have you plans for Culture Night on Friday? Why not join me and RTE's Eileen Dunne to share ideas for a better world. We're speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs in North Great George's Street in Dublin at 6 pm. And there's a glass of wine for you to enjoy too. 🍷
September 15, 2025 at 6:51 AM
Have you plans for Culture Night on Friday? Why not join me and RTE's Eileen Dunne to share ideas for a better world. We're speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs in North Great George's Street in Dublin at 6 pm. And there's a glass of wine for you to enjoy too. 🍷
Childhood poverty in Ireland has declined markedly. In the late 1960s, 22% of people described their childhood economic circumstances as bad/very bad. By the 2000s, that figure had fallen to 9%. Unfortunately, progress slowed in recent years so there's more to be done 🇮🇪🧒
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
September 12, 2025 at 6:48 AM
Childhood poverty in Ireland has declined markedly. In the late 1960s, 22% of people described their childhood economic circumstances as bad/very bad. By the 2000s, that figure had fallen to 9%. Unfortunately, progress slowed in recent years so there's more to be done 🇮🇪🧒
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
Average incomes in Ireland have doubled over the past 30 years - and that's allowing for inflation and taxes. 🇮🇪🎉 This huge rise in disposable income means that we have twice as much money in our pockets at the end of the month to cover our living costs.
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
September 10, 2025 at 6:52 AM
Average incomes in Ireland have doubled over the past 30 years - and that's allowing for inflation and taxes. 🇮🇪🎉 This huge rise in disposable income means that we have twice as much money in our pockets at the end of the month to cover our living costs.
www.esri.ie/publications...
www.esri.ie/publications...
Ireland's national debt (as a share of income) has shrunk rapidly due to strong economic growth. Before the pandemic, our debt was 110% the size of our domestic economy (i.e. excluding foreign multinationals). Now it stands at just 68% and falling. 🇮🇪
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
September 9, 2025 at 6:46 AM
Ireland's national debt (as a share of income) has shrunk rapidly due to strong economic growth. Before the pandemic, our debt was 110% the size of our domestic economy (i.e. excluding foreign multinationals). Now it stands at just 68% and falling. 🇮🇪
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
www.gov.ie/en/departmen...
The suicide rate in Ireland has halved over the past 25 years. It's an incredibly positive achievement. Investment in mental health services, reduced alcohol consumption, and improved financial well-being have all contributed. 🇮🇪👏
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
September 8, 2025 at 6:46 AM
The suicide rate in Ireland has halved over the past 25 years. It's an incredibly positive achievement. Investment in mental health services, reduced alcohol consumption, and improved financial well-being have all contributed. 🇮🇪👏
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
www.irishtimes.com/ireland/2025...
The majority of Irish people think the country is going in the right direction. 62% say so, and only 29% disagree. In fact, we are one of the most positive people in the EU about the state of our nation - only Luxembourg and Poland are more positive. 🇮🇪👍
europa.eu/eurobaromete...
europa.eu/eurobaromete...
September 4, 2025 at 6:57 AM
The majority of Irish people think the country is going in the right direction. 62% say so, and only 29% disagree. In fact, we are one of the most positive people in the EU about the state of our nation - only Luxembourg and Poland are more positive. 🇮🇪👍
europa.eu/eurobaromete...
europa.eu/eurobaromete...
Ireland has passed a magnificent milestone. For the first time ever, the majority of new cars sold over the past 12 months were electric or hybrid. Pure petrol and diesel cars are increasingly unpopular. We're driving a major sustainability shift for the good of all. 🚗🇮🇪
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
September 3, 2025 at 6:47 AM
Ireland has passed a magnificent milestone. For the first time ever, the majority of new cars sold over the past 12 months were electric or hybrid. Pure petrol and diesel cars are increasingly unpopular. We're driving a major sustainability shift for the good of all. 🚗🇮🇪
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...
www.cso.ie/en/releasesa...