http://hdl.handle.net/2262/9018 Sun, 26 May 2013 08:39:37 GMT 2013-05-26T08:39:37Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62348 Title: Research and policy-making – strengthening the link Author: Hearne, Ed; Watt, Robert Abstract: This paper reviews the current relationship between research and evidence based policy-making in Ireland. It reviews the role of the State in its broadest sense and considers relevant research required to underpin policy development in that context. Noting the fact that research and analysis is but one input to an increasingly complex policy-making process, this paper focuses on how to improve the evidence base which is an input to policy formulation and how to bring research closer to the policy-making process. Description: read before the Society, 12 April 2011 as part of Symposium: Research Capacity and Policy Making 2010/2011 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62348 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62347 Title: Building research capacity in the social sciences – alternatives approaches Author: Ruane, Frances; Whelan, Brendan J. Abstract: In contrast to previous decades, the past decade has seen major investments by the Irish government in the national research capacity. As part of this investment, there has been a significant investment in the social sciences with the creation of major institutes in the universities and the rapid expansion of numbers of students supported in PhD programmes. This paper reviews the recent developments and contrasts them with the only other significant investment in the social sciences research made over the past half century, namely, through the creation of the Economic and Social Research Institute [ESRI]. Drawing on the different experiences, the paper suggests key issues that should be addressed in reviewing the development of these recent investments and on what might be appropriate future strategies. Description: read before the Society, 12 April 2011 as part of Symposium: Research Capacity and Policy Making 2010/2011 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/62347 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41161 Title: Institutional Design and Irish Political Reform Author: Hardiman, Niamh Abstract: The financial and economic crisis that erupted in 2008 exposed significant weaknesses in Irish decision-making and policy implementing processes. In contrast with other European countries in the grip of crisis, the political system was not fundamentally challenged and the incumbent government held onto power. But confidence in government’s capacity to respond adequately fell to historically low levels. This paper considers institutional shortcomings in three arenas through which policies to deal with the crisis must be managed: the parliamentary system and executive leadership, the structures of public administration, and the institutions through which fiscal policy is made. Description: Part of Symposium: Resolving Ireland's Fiscal Crisis (read before the Society, 26th November 2009) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41161 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41135 Title: The Magnitude of the Problem Author: Croughan, David Abstract: The Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework document accompanying the April 2009 Supplementary Budget detailed the measures that had been taken since July 2009 to address the weakening public finances. Description: Part of Symposium: Resolving Ireland's Fiscal Crisis (read before the Society, 26th November 2009) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41135 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41134 Title: Economic and Fiscal Policy since 1997: What Caused the Crisis and How Should It Be Rectified? Author: Horan, Blair Abstract: In this paper I propose to examine the background to the current crisis which involves both a contraction in the economy due in part to the global crisis, and a collapse in the tax base due to the disappearance of property related taxes. I will argue that key tenets of neo-liberal economic policy that failed are a feature of both the international and domestic aspects of the crisis. The policy approaches to rising house prices and euro membership in the late 1990s were inadequate and contributed to the crisis. Also the success of the moderate pay combined with tax reductions strategy in the 1990s was incorrectly perceived as the "low tax model" being a driver of sustainable growth for the economy. The focus of fiscal policy for 2010 and the future will also be addressed. Description: Part of Symposium: Resolving Ireland's Fiscal Crisis (read before the Society, 26th November 2009) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41134 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41133 Title: Fiscal Adjustment and Macroeconomic Re-balancing in Ireland Author: McCarthy, Colm Abstract: In the five quarters from 2008 Q1 to 2009 Q2, Ireland.s real GNP, seasonally adjusted, has fallen by 13.5%. The unemployment rate has risen by eight points, labour force participation has fallen and emigration has resumed. The economic decline in Ireland exceeds by a large margin those being experienced by most other European countries, and constitutes the worst recession in Ireland since the early years of the Second World War. The policy challenge involves much more than fiscal consolidation, or recovery from a routine cyclical downturn. Description: Part of Symposium: Resolving Ireland's Fiscal Crisis (read before the Society, 26th November 2009) Fri, 01 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/41133 2010-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28009 Title: Projecting population mortality for Ireland Author: Whelan, Shane Abstract: Mortality data for Ireland is analysed, for recent and long-run trends, and several methods of projecting mortality rates are outlined and the results compared. Interpretation of the results suggests that it is not unreasonable to forecast that males born in calendar year 2006 have a life expectancy of 91 years (females 93 years). On the same basis, males aged 65 years in calendar year 2006 can be expected to live another 20 years on average (females 23 years). The uncertainty surrounding the forecasts is outlined. Description: read before the Society, 24 January 2008 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28009 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28008 Title: Changing morbidity patterns in Ireland 1996-2006 Author: Armstrong, John Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine changing patterns of morbidity (and healthcare utilisation) in Ireland and consider the impact of these changing patterns on the need for health services using health insurance data. This analysis is set in the context of a corresponding significant reduction in mortality rates over the period. Using inpatient hospital data from a large health insurer, which covers nearly 40% of the population, the changing pattern of morbidity is analysed by age, gender, and geographic area of residence for the years 1996-2006. Morbidity is measured using the International Classification of Diseases standard - Version 9 (ICD). The analysis shows that despite an improvement in mortality, not only has the rate of hospitalisations not correspondingly reduced but also the morbidity rates of the population have not reduced. The results confirm that the population is receiving more medical treatment than before even though mortality has improved. This may be as a result of better access to health services, a worse incidence of ill-health within population, better detection of illness or a combination of all of the above. Either way the changing utilisation pattern suggests that in establishing a policy for resource allocation for health services many factors need to be considered, many of which are not measurable and confirms that increasing life expectancy may come at a significant economic cost in terms of the increased resources that may be needed in the health system. Description: Read before the Society, 24 January 2008 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28008 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28007 Title: Wealthier and healthier: Ireland's demographic catch-up Author: Walsh, Brendan M. Abstract: In the first half of this paper I summarise the trend in Irish deaths rates over the period 1973-2006. In the second half I discuss some possible explanations of these trends. Description: read before the Society, 24 January 2008 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/28007 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/2262/24099 Title: Delivering integrated policy and services for children Author: Langford, S. Abstract: The Irish Public Service has been relatively strong historically in the area of policy formulation. I have come to the conclusion, however, that we are relatively weak when it comes to implementation and many good policies fail due to a lack of appropriate structures and processes to ensure their successful implementation from policy objectives to tangible outcomes. This paper outlines the role of the Office of the Minister for Children (OMC), which is seeking to overcome that difficulty and bring about more effective implementation of services and interventions for children through cross-Departmental and cross–sectoral working. Description: Read before the Society, 21 June 2007 Mon, 01 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/2262/24099 2007-01-01T00:00:00Z