Contains the Expenditure Strategy, Expenditure Allocations 2014-2016, Ireland’s Public Expenditure Framework in Comparative Perspective, and 2014 Estimates for Public Services
Contains a summary of taxation measures, more in-depth taxation annexes, economic and fiscal outlook and an endorsement by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.
The Fiscal Monitor surveys and analyses the latest public finance developments, updates fiscal implications of the crisis and medium-term fiscal projections, and assesses policies to put public finances on a sustainable footing. It is prepared twice a year by the IMF’s Fiscal Affairs Department.
The attached report was commissioned by Publicpolicy.ie from Acuvest , an independent firm of Actuaries. We hope that it will help inform current debates on pensions policy. The authors are solely responsible for the analysis, views and conclusions reached in the reports.
The attached report was commissioned by Publicpolicy.ie from Acuvest , an independent firm of Actuaries. We hope that it will help inform current debates on pensions policy. The authors are solely responsible for the analysis, views and conclusions reached in the reports
This note looks at the structural reforms required by the Troika as the current EU/IMF Programme draws to a close. Key reforms in health, state assets, the labour market and water services are discussed.
High rates of absenteeism in the HSE often attract significant media and political attention due to the associated costs to the taxpayer. In addition to a substantial sick-pay bill, absenteeism may lead to increases in agency and overtime costs as replacements are found for sick and absent workers. This sentiment was expounded in 2012 by Health Minister James Reilly who claimed that the high expenditure on agency staff in the HSE is largely attributable to high levels of absenteeism.
Two welfare traps have been identified that could potentially lead to a financial disincentive to work. I discuss these traps in the context of on-going welfare reform.
The Survey on Income and Living Conditions (SILC) in Ireland is a household survey covering a broad range of issues in relation to income and living conditions.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
All the Local Property Tax payment options, effective from July, have now been successfully implemented resulting in the collection of more than €175m in LPT to date, with a further €60m committed by way of phased payments.
This report compares the provision of early childhood education in Ireland to what is observed elsewhere, and finds that Ireland spends significantly less than other developed countries.
This pilot Fiscal Transparency Assessment for Ireland was prepared by a staff team of the International Monetary Fund as background documentation for the periodic consultation with the member country.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
This paper on the distributional effects of austerity finds that fiscal consolidations tend to raise inequality, decrease wage income shares and increase long-term unemployment.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
This note discusses the influence the national minimum wage has on the labour market. Judging by European standards, the minimum wage does not appear to be exceptionally high. However, the evidence suggests it is high enough to ensure most people are incentivised to choose to work at the minimum wage over unemployment.
The results of a nationally-representative survey that asked respondents to state how they would prefer to be charged for water. Nearly 50% of respondents opted for a Pay By Use scheme, while 34% were in favour of a Flat Charge and 16% preferred to pay through an increase in General Taxation.
A presentation by the Chief Economic Adviser to the Scottish Government, given to the ESRI on April 26th, 2013. In the context of the establishment of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service, Dr. Gillespie outlines the role of the Government Economic Service in Scotland.
Speech by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Robert Watt at the IPA Governance Forum Morning Conference: “Rationalising State Agencies: Where are the Benefits”
This report to the Minister for Health by Prof. John Higgins provides the underpinnings for the move towards Hospital Groups, and places it in a wider context of health reform.
The average length of stay (ALOS) in hospitals is often used as an indicator of efficiency. Reducing the time spent in hospital reduces the cost per patient and allows more patients to be treated in a given period
A speech by the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Mr.Robert Watt, as part of the Dublin Chamber of Commerce SMART series on Thursday May 16th, 2013.
The Report by the Expert Commission on the Funding of Domestic Public Water Services in Ireland has been submitted on schedule to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on the Future Funding of Domestic Water Services.
Irish Water has made significant progress in a short period. Abolishing Irish Water and removing domestic water charges would be a mistake and set back the prospects of having water services fit for a modern economy.