Just over a third of people would agree with higher taxes if it would mean better services, a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found.
The report said 35% believed that taxes were too high and 25% thought that taxes should remain at the current levels.
Around 34% indicated they would agree with higher taxes if it meant more or better public services.
This is the sixth-highest percentage among 27 countries in Europe.
Public support for government action to reduce income inequality "has remained consistently high" and is above the European average.
The study, conducted by the ESRI in partnership with Community Foundation Ireland, shows that support for reducing income inequality is stronger among women, younger people, those in a worse financial situation and the working class.
It notes that "political ideology and perceptions of fairness" are also influential factors.
The study found a higher level of support for government spending on older people and childcare for working families than for those who are unemployed.
While the same pattern has been observed in most European countries, in Ireland, the gaps between these three groups are significantly smaller.
Although 64% of the population believe that 'social benefits help prevent poverty', further analysis by the ESRI indicated that this view was temporarily weakened after the launch of a government media campaign on welfare fraud in 2017.
The study also found that those who lost their jobs or had their income reduced during the Covid-19 pandemic show higher support for reducing income inequality.
ESRI Researcher and co-author of the report Dr Daniel Capistrano said the report shows a solid social support for enhancing the welfare state in Ireland.
"Policymakers have a favourable environment to design and implement policies that meet the demands for better distribution of income, opportunities and living conditions in Ireland," he said.
Community Foundation Ireland CEO Denise Charlton said the study showed a sense of fairness and support for equality within society, even in times of challenge and complexities.
"Something all of us should be proud of. These important findings will inform our future work as a philanthropic hub with an equality mission, as well as our 5,000 community, voluntary and charitable partners," she said.
