Less than one fifth of Irish people are prepared to pay the extra PRSI contributions that would be needed to fund long-term care for the elderly, according to a survey carried out by the ESRI.
The ESRI said 40% of respondents were in favour of increased taxation or PRSI contributions to fund care for Ireland's ageing population.
However, the think tank said an average PRSI increase of around €8 a week would be needed to fund a proper care package and only 17% of respondents were prepared to pay this sum.
Four fifths of respondents said they would prefer to receive care in their own homes, with most hoping to be looked after by a friend or relative.
Fifty-eight per cent of respondents also said they believed the State should fund care of the elderly, while 36% said they believed families should bear some of the cost.