http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2798 2013-05-20T05:53:53Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2918 Title: Symposium on traffic congestion in Dublin: policy options Author: Keegan, Owen Abstract: This paper presents background information on traffic and the transportation needs of Dublin, reviews the positive developments in transportation policy in Dublin in recent years, and offers reflections on the Platform for Change transportation strategy and the policy options most appropriate for Dublin, in particular; completing infrastructure projects currently under construction, developing the bus system and suburban rail/DART system, and exploiting demand management measures including pricing. Description: Read before the Society, 1 April 2003 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2620 Title: Competitiveness implications for Ireland of EU enlargement Author: Barry, Frank; Hannon, Aoife; Hudson, Elaine; KEARNEY, COLM Abstract: Subject to ratification, a further ten states, primarily from Central and Eastern Europe will accede to the EU in May 2004. Another two, and possibly three, CEE states are likely to join in 2007. The present paper assesses the competitiveness implications of this phase of EU expansion for Ireland. Four specific topics are considered: the opportunities for trade and investment expansion, the implications for Ireland’s ability to attract FDI, the likely levels and consequences of immigration from Central and Eastern Europe, and the budgetary implications for the Irish Exchequer. Description: Read before the Society, 6 February 2003 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2619 Title: Redistributive forces of the Irish tax-benefit system Author: O'Donoghue, Cathal Abstract: This paper charts the main changes in structure of the Irish system of tax and social benefits over the period 1955-2002. It analyses the evolution of the redistributive forces in the system over the period and considers the effect of the incremental reform on the complexity of policy and resulting impact on incentives. Description: Read before the Society, 28 November 2002 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2618 Title: Sources of regional divergence in the Celtic Tiger: policy responses Author: O'Leary, Eoin Abstract: This paper presents new evidence on the sources of living standards divergence among Irish regional authority areas during the “Celtic Tiger” boom period of the 1990s, which has been associated with unbalanced regional development. The paper shows that strong regional living standards divergence during this period was driven both by the emergence of the “demographic dividend” and by productivity. Productivity divergence was, in turn, driven by the manufacturing sector. Although structural change had a convergent effect on productivity in previous decades, this effect was negligible during the “Celtic Tiger” boom. The discussion then considers the appropriate response to Ireland’s regional policy dilemma, namely how to address the problem of regional imbalance without compromising national growth and competitiveness. At the beginning of the new millennium, regional policy is back on the agenda with the inclusion of balanced regional development as a key objective in the National Development Plan: 2000- 06. However, delays in the formulation of the National Spatial Strategy gives rise to concern. Based on the results of the paper, it is argued that future growth in regional and therefore national living standards hinges on continued productivity growth in internationally competitive industries based in Irish regions, as demographic factors and structural change are unlikely to continue playing prominent roles. It recommends that policy be targeted at improving regional growth and competitiveness in regional authority areas, rather than aiming for balanced regional development. Description: Read before the Society, 7 November 2002 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/2598 Title: Is equating market share to market power a sound economic principle? Author: Whelan, Ciara Abstract: There is a long history of mapping market structure into market power in economic analysis. This paper addresses the validity of this principle for both homogenous and differentiated products industries. While mapping market share dominance into market power may be acceptable for homogenous goods as a rule of thumb, it is by no means a robust result. In the case of differentiated products industries, there is no theoretical foundation for such a mapping. This paper highlights the need to move towards a structural approach to assessing market power in industries. Description: Read before the Society, 8 May 2003. This lecture is 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. 2003-01-01T00:00:00Z