http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1081 2013-05-24T02:18:25Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1559 Title: Measuring the economy: problems and prospects Author: Keating, William Abstract: This paper discusses the statistical measurement of economic growth and examines some issues arising in that context. It looks at the treatment of productivity and quality improvements, especially as regards non-market services. Measurement issues arising from globalisation are also identified and the impact of foreign direct investment enterprises on the main aggregates is examined. Finally, the wider question of economic well-being is discussed and examples are given of development work in this regard in other countries. Description: Read before the Society, 26 October 2000 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1558 Title: Irish direct investment in the US: evidence and further issues Author: Görg, Holger Abstract: This paper presents evidence and discusses possible implications for Ireland of the increasing level of Irish outward direct investment in the United States. Data available from the US Department of Commerce show that the relative position of outward FDI to the US to inward direct investment received from the US has increased considerably since the early 1980s, as has employment associated with Irish affiliates based in the US. We find evidence that the development witnessed in Ireland is consistent with its moving from Stage 2 to Stage 3 in the Investment Development Path, a concept due to Dunning (1981) and discussed in this paper. The possible effects of outward FDI on the home country are also discussed, introducing some of the potential issues a home country may face. They range from increased profits for investing firms, to labour market effects, spillovers for the investing firm and suppliers, to effects on the balance of payments. While an increase in profits is unambiguously positive for the home country, the other effects may turn out to be either positive or negative. This brief discussion, while being by no means exhaustive, hopes to stimulate interest in the issues involved and to prompt further research in these areas. Description: Read before the Society, 16 November 2000 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1557 Title: The generation game: all gain, no pain? Ageing, intergenerational equity and generational accounts Author: O'Donoghue, Cathal Abstract: This paper tries to quantify the degree of intergenerational redistribution in Irish public expenditure. The development of a large public debt in the space of two decades, its rapid elimination and potential rise again in the next decades due to demographic changes is likely to result in an intergenerational transfer of resources. The paper utilises a database of public expenditure, together with the age incidence distribution of public expenditure to examine the generational net beneficiaries of public spending programs since the foundation of the state in 1921. Demographic and alternative economic scenarios are considered to estimate the lifetime net benefit from public expenditure. Finally the sustainability of current expenditure is examined through the creation of generational accounts. Description: Read before the Society, 1 February 2001 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1537 Title: Fish stock conservation measures and the Irish fishing industry Author: Curtis, John A. Abstract: The decline in fish stocks is well documented and numerous efforts are in place to preserve and rebuild stocks. While conservation programmes have the potential to improve profitability, this usually will not occur before contraction in the fishery (in landings, incomes, employment, etc.). Conservation programmes are therefore risky ventures for fishermen, because they may not financially survive until profitability improves and because the programme itself might not deliver its promises. One crucial element in commercial stock replenishment measures is the co-operation and support of fishermen. Using recent survey data fishermen’s opinions on the current state of fish stocks and on the viability of conservation programs are investigated. The paper also examines fishermen’s attitudes to risk and estimates their subjective risk premium on stock conservation programmes. The results suggest that fishermen support the need for stock replenishment measures but evidence of high discount premiums required for acceptance of risky stock replenishment programs indicates that voluntary participation without compensation cannot be assumed. Description: Read before the Society, 19 April 2001 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/1497 Title: Reconciling rapid economic growth with environmental sustainability in Ireland Author: Clinch, J. Peter Abstract: The extraordinarily rapid rate of growth of the Irish economy in the past decade has provided many benefits in terms of increased living standards and higher employment levels. However, economic growth has also resulted in increased pressures on the environment. This paper sets out to examine how the environment has fared over the period of unprecedented economic growth, and specifically, if the country’s environmental endowments have been improved or diminished by the substantial rise in income and wealth generated. Ireland's economic performance is summarised. Alternative definitions of environmental sustainability are examined briefly. The ‘weak sustainability’ test is presented to assess how Ireland is faring from a macroeconomic perspective. The reliability of this test is assessed by looking, in a more detailed way, at individual indicators and their association with growth. The paper then turns to an assessment of environmental issues, including meeting: the Kyoto greenhouse assigned amounts; the acidification precursor amounts assigned via the Gothenburg Protocol; water quality objectives; waste emission reduction, recycling and re-use targets; accommodation needs. Individual attention is also given to the integration of environment and development in the following sectors: transport, energy, agriculture and forestry, tourism and industry. The paper outlines the salient features with regard to the environment of the existing policy mix. Finally, it examines what changes in environmental policy are likely to be desirable, with a particular emphasis on how market forces might better be mobilised to achieve environmental objectives. Description: Read before the Society, 10 May 2001. '... delivered under the auspices of the Barrington Trust (founded by the bequest of John Barrington, Esq.) with the collaboration of the Journal of the Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland.' - p.1 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z