Survey yearBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
201450%21%9%< 1%17%3%3,291
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

Belief in God among younger Millennials by religious group

% of younger Millennials who say they…

Religious traditionBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Catholic58%29%9%< 1%3%1%533
Evangelical Protestant85%13%1%< 1%< 1%1%643
Historically Black Protestant83%16%< 1%< 1%< 1%1%184
Mainline Protestant59%31%6%< 1%1%2%371
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")19%19%14%< 1%42%5%1,180
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Believe in God; absolutely certain, Believe in God; fairly certain, Believe in God; not too/not at all certain, Do not believe in God

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are ages…

Belief in God18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain100%< 1%< 1%< 1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain100%< 1%< 1%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain100%< 1%< 1%< 1%287
Do not believe in God100%< 1%< 1%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are…

Belief in GodMenWomenSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain48%52%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain48%52%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain57%43%287
Do not believe in God63%37%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who identify as…

Belief in GodWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%19%4%22%6%1,614
Believe in God; fairly certain54%11%7%23%4%700
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain50%6%13%25%6%284
Do not believe in God66%3%11%15%4%568
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are…

Belief in GodImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain13%18%69%1,604
Believe in God; fairly certain13%21%65%696
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain14%30%55%281
Do not believe in God13%22%64%566
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who have a household income of…

Belief in GodLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain43%19%23%14%1,377
Believe in God; fairly certain38%23%25%14%587
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain39%14%25%22%253
Do not believe in God34%20%24%21%501
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who have completed…

Belief in GodHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain49%42%8%1%1,621
Believe in God; fairly certain50%40%9%1%702
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain48%40%11%1%285
Do not believe in God43%41%14%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are…

Belief in GodMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain9%8%2%< 1%80%1,620
Believe in God; fairly certain6%13%1%< 1%80%701
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain3%10%1%< 1%86%286
Do not believe in God5%9%< 1%< 1%86%574
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are…

Belief in GodParentsNon-parentsSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain16%84%1,621
Believe in God; fairly certain12%88%702
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain7%93%287
Do not believe in God4%96%574
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Importance of religion in one's life among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say religion is…

Belief in GodVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain66%27%4%3%< 1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain19%53%21%6%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain4%25%45%25%< 1%287
Do not believe in God1%7%29%62%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who attend religious services…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain46%39%15%< 1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain18%51%31%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain4%37%58%< 1%287
Do not believe in God1%22%76%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who pray…

Belief in GodAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain64%22%4%9%< 1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain28%25%14%33%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain7%13%14%67%< 1%287
Do not believe in God1%1%3%95%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who attend prayer group…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain32%15%11%42%< 1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain9%12%9%70%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain3%6%3%88%< 1%287
Do not believe in God1%2%3%94%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who meditate…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain36%9%4%50%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain19%13%5%63%1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain16%16%7%61%< 1%287
Do not believe in God14%8%6%70%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain65%17%10%8%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain41%26%14%18%1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain25%27%13%35%< 1%287
Do not believe in God30%19%8%42%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain47%21%11%20%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain48%20%13%19%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain56%17%12%13%1%287
Do not believe in God50%20%10%19%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Belief in GodReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%11%38%6%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain10%20%57%12%1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain2%30%53%13%1%287
Do not believe in God1%21%48%29%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say…

Belief in GodThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain28%69%1%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain16%83%1%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain11%88%1%< 1%287
Do not believe in God11%88%< 1%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who read scripture…

Belief in GodAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain43%17%10%30%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain12%14%9%65%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain3%7%9%81%< 1%287
Do not believe in God3%2%5%90%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say the holy scripture is…

Belief in GodWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain35%43%3%16%4%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain9%37%< 1%48%6%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain3%10%< 1%79%7%287
Do not believe in God< 1%2%< 1%96%2%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who …in heaven

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain90%7%3%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain79%16%5%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain48%40%12%287
Do not believe in God9%86%5%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who …in hell

Belief in GodBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain77%19%4%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain61%35%4%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain35%54%10%287
Do not believe in God8%89%4%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who identify as…

Belief in GodRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain42%19%39%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain32%19%49%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain26%20%55%287
Do not believe in God17%19%64%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who are…

Belief in GodConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain34%37%21%8%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain22%41%31%7%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain18%38%38%6%287
Do not believe in God13%32%48%6%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who would rather have…

Belief in GodSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain43%54%1%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain43%53%1%3%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain48%48%2%2%287
Do not believe in God41%54%2%3%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say government aid to the poor…

Belief in GodDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain44%51%3%1%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain42%56%2%1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain38%59%3%1%287
Do not believe in God32%65%2%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say abortion should be…

Belief in GodLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain38%60%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain61%36%3%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain77%20%3%287
Do not believe in God83%16%2%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say homosexuality…

Belief in GodShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain65%30%3%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain89%9%2%< 1%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain91%6%1%2%287
Do not believe in God95%3%1%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who …same-sex marriage

Belief in GodStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain56%38%5%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain84%12%4%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain86%12%2%287
Do not believe in God93%5%2%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say…

Belief in GodStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain38%58%1%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain30%66%2%2%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain30%69%1%1%287
Do not believe in God20%77%2%1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among younger Millennials by belief in God

% of younger Millennials who say humans…

Belief in GodEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Believe in God; absolutely certain22%33%3%40%2%1,623
Believe in God; fairly certain52%26%3%16%2%703
Believe in God; not too/not at all certain73%9%1%13%3%287
Do not believe in God89%4%1%5%< 1%575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.