This page contains a list of all available documents listed by date with the latest at the top of the list.

March, 2018

26/03/2018 Reflections On 6 Years Of Public Policy

The time has come for us to close our doors as our funding from Atlantic Philanthropies has been exhausted. We end with some final thoughts.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Policy Briefs,Property Tax,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform,Taxation,Water Policy
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

26/03/2018 Reflections On 6 Years Of Public Policy

The time has come for us to close our doors as our funding from Atlantic Philanthropies has been exhausted. We end with some final thoughts.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Policy Briefs,Property Tax,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform,Taxation,Water Policy
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

20/03/2018 Ireland – Facts & Figures 2017

Ireland – Facts & Figures 2017. CSO
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

14/03/2018 Switching to Electric Vehicles

The government has set an ambitious target to have 500,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the road by 2030. There are currently circa 3,000 electric vehicles in Ireland or 15 per cent of the 2020 target.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

07/03/2018 Social Housing - Some Data

The main categories in need of social housing in Dublin are single person households, the unemployed and those living in private rented accommodation.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

07/03/2018 Fiscal Monitor - February 2018

Fiscal Monitor - February 2018
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

February, 2018

28/02/2018 A Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018 - 2023

A Roadmap for Pensions Reform 2018 - 2023
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform,Public Expenditure
Authors : Government, Irish

21/02/2018 Taxing Petrol And Diesel

Under the polluter pays principle, tax rates on diesel and petrol fuels should be at a rate which is commensurate with the total environmental costs they incur.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis,Taxation
Authors : Farrell, Colm

17/02/2018 Project Ireland 2040 - National Development Plan 2018—2027

Project Ireland 2040 - National Development Plan 2018—2027
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Local Government,Oireachtas Committee,Public Expenditure
Authors : Government, Irish,Of Ireland, Government

17/02/2018 Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework

Project Ireland 2040 - National Planning Framework
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Local Government,Public Expenditure
Authors : Of Ireland, Government

14/02/2018 Local Authority Budgets In 2018

Local Authorities plan to spend almost €4.8 billion in 2018. See your Council’s spending on LocalAuthorityFinances.com
Categories : Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

08/02/2018 Economic Forecast Ireland EU Commission February, 2018

Economic Forecast Ireland EU Commission February, 2018. European Commission.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : European Commission

07/02/2018 What Should We Do About Local Property Tax?

Valuations for Local Property Tax are due to be revised in 2019. This note sets out some of the issues which arise.
Categories : Policy Briefs,Property Tax,Working Papers
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

05/02/2018 Fiscal Monitor January 2018

Department of Finance Fiscal Monitor January 2018
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

01/02/2018 A Survey Of Social Benefits In Ireland

The purpose of this survey is to highlight expenditure on social protection in Ireland by individual programmes and social payments.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Farrell, Colm

January, 2018

24/01/2018 Labour Activation Programmes

The number of people on labour activation programmes has fallen by over 25 per cent or 24,000 in the last three years.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

17/01/2018 Educational Attainment Of Population Is Rising Rapidly

The educational attainment of people in Ireland is rising rapidly. Those in the 35-39 age group are over twice as likely to have a third level qualification as those in the 65-69 age group.
Categories : Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

10/01/2018 Household Energy Prices in Ireland

Household energy prices in Ireland are near the Eurozone average, but are relatively high compared to the UK. Taxes on household energy in Ireland are less than half the average level in the Eurozone
Categories : Our Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : Farrell, Colm

09/01/2018 Annual Taxation Report (January, 2018)

Annual Taxation Report (January, 2018)
Categories : External Analysis,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

06/01/2018 Household Energy Prices in Ireland

Household energy prices in Ireland are near the Eurozone average, but are relatively high compared to the UK. Taxes on household energy in Ireland are less than half the average level in the Eurozone
Categories : Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

04/01/2018 Fiscal Monitor - December 2017

Department of Finance - Fiscal Monitor December 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

December, 2017

20/12/2017 Budget Statistics December 2017

Budget Statistics December 2017. Department of Finance
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

20/12/2017 CSO Data Shows An Increase In Living Standards

The results from the 2016 Survey of Income and Living Conditions (SILC) show an increase in living standards and a significant reduction in those experiencing “enforced deprivation ”.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

14/12/2017 Health Insurance Premia Payable By Older People

Legislation before the Oireachtas provides that age-related levies on health insurance premia will be paid for ten years only.
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Farrell, Colm

08/12/2017 Text of Brexit Agreement Between UK and EU, December 2017

Text of Brexit Agreement Between UK and EU, December 2017
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : Commission, European

05/12/2017 State Of Health In The EU - Ireland 2017

State of Health in the EU - Ireland 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Health Policy
Authors : OECD

05/12/2017 Climate Change Advisory Council - Annual Review 2017

Climate Change Advisory Council - Annual Review 2017
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : Change Advisory Council, Climate

05/12/2017 Housing Tenure by Age Group In Ireland 2016

Owner–occupation levels increase with age. The over 65’s are over 9 times more likely to own their houses than the under 25’s. Older people who own their houses are more likely to be mortgage free. Over 90 % of those over 65 have no mortgages compared with just over 10 % of those aged 35-39. Younger people are 30 times more likely to be in private rented accommodation. Almost three quarters of those under 25 rent in the private sector compared with 1 in 40 of those over 65. There is a significant fall between 2011 and 2016 in the proportion of those under 40 who are owner occupiers.
Categories : Our Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

04/12/2017 Fiscal Monitor - November 2017

Fiscal Monitor - November 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

November, 2017

29/11/2017 Fiscal Assessment Report – November 2017

Fiscal Assessment Report – November 2017. IFAC
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

29/11/2017 Low Tax Burden On Labour In Ireland

The tax wedge on low wage workers in Ireland is the lowest in the EU. This is a positive feature of the Irish system which minimises the disincentive to employ low skilled workers.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

28/11/2017 Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990 – 2016

Ireland’s Provisional Greenhouse Gas Emissions 1990 – 2016
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : EPA

28/11/2017 How's Life In Ireland November, 2017

How's Life In Ireland November, 2017. OECD.
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : OECD

23/11/2017 Report Of 2018 Irish Budget

Report of 2018 Irish Budget EU Commission
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Budget , 2018,EU,European Commission

23/11/2017 Severe Material Deprivation

One in thirteen Irish people are severely materially deprived.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

16/11/2017 Report Of Working Group On Future Funding Model For Irish Water

Report of Working Group on Future Funding Model for Irish Water
Categories : External Analysis,Policy Briefs,Water Policy
Authors : Planning And Local Government

15/11/2017 Large Increase in Homelessness

There were over 8,300 homeless people in September 2017 – an increase of almost 1,700 or over 25 per cent since September 2016.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Working Papers
Authors : Farrell, Colm

13/11/2017 Public Investment Management Assessment (IMF, 2017)

Public Investment Management Assessment (IMF, 2017)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : IMF

09/11/2017 Ireland's Economy & Finances, October 2017

Department of Finance. Ireland's Economy & Finances, October 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

08/11/2017 Brexit Indicators: Ireland And The UK In Numbers

CSO: Brexit Indicators: Ireland and the UK in Numbers
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : CSO

06/11/2017 Housing and Property Sector Chartpack – October 2017

Department of Finance - Housing and Property Sector Chartpack – October 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Property Tax
Authors : Department Of Finance

04/11/2017 Fiscal Monitor - October 2017

Fiscal Monitor - October 2017. Department Of Finance
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

01/11/2017 A Fair Deal For Home Care

The Nursing Homes Support Scheme (NHSS), more commonly referred to as the Fair Deal scheme, is a system of financial support for those in need of long-term nursing home care. This report examines the issues arising in the establishment of a similar scheme to cover the needs of those who require home care
Categories : Health,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

October, 2017

26/10/2017 Local Authority Rent Arrears

Local Authority rent arrears amount to €73 million, of which €37 million are in Dublin .
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

25/10/2017 Census 2016 SAPS Mapping Viewer

Census 2016 SAPS Mapping Viewer
Categories : Other Documents,Presentations/Conference
Authors : AIRO

18/10/2017 Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2017

Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2017. Departmemt of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

12/10/2017 Local Property Tax Variations - 2018

Seven local authorities have voted to increase the local property tax above the basic rate for 2018. Only four councils have reduced it. The net effect of these adjustments will decrease LPT revenue by €23 million next year.
Categories : Local Government,Property Tax
Authors : Farrell, Colm

11/10/2017 Government Finance Statistics Q2 2017

Government Finance Statistics Q2 2017. CSO.
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

06/10/2017 Government Finance Statistics 2016

Government Finance Statistics 2016 - CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

04/10/2017 Fiscal Monitor – September 2017

Department of Finance - Fiscal Monitor September 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

September, 2017

14/09/2017 Review of the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021

Review of the Capital Plan 2016 – 2021 Published by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

13/09/2017 Commercial Rates

Over €1.3 billion in commercial rates were collected by Councils last year. There was over €297m in outstanding rate arrears at the end of 2016.
Categories : Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

12/09/2017 Review Of Ireland's Corporation Tax Code

REVIEW OF IRELAND’S CORPORATION TAX CODE PRESENTED TO THE MINISTER FOR FINANCE AND PUBLIC EXPENDITURE AND REFORM BY MR. SEAMUS COFFEY
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : Coffey, Seamus

07/09/2017 Budget Submission by Institute for Fiscal Studies

Budget Submission by Institute for Fiscal Studies
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : For Fiscal Studies, Institute

05/09/2017 Fiscal Monitor - August 2017

Fiscal Monitor - August 2017
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/09/2017 Fiscal Council Pre-Budget 2018 Statement

Pre-Budget 2018 Statement
Categories : Budget and Troika,Public Expenditure
Authors : Fiscal Advisory Council, Irish

August, 2017

30/08/2017 National Risk Assessment 2017

National Risk Assessment 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Of The Taoiseach, Department

03/08/2017 Fiscal Monitor – July 2017

Fiscal Monitor - July 2017 Incorporating the Exchequer Statement Department of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

July, 2017

27/07/2017 Climate Change Advisory Council - Periodic Review Report 2017

Climate Change Advisory Council - Periodic Review Report 2017
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : Change Advisory Council, Climate

12/07/2017 Summer Economic Statement 2017

Departments of Finance, Department of Public Expenditure and Reform. Summer Economic Statement 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance,Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

05/07/2017 Fiscal Monitor June 2017

Department of Finance Fiscal Monitor June 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

June, 2017

07/06/2017 Fiscal Assessment Report June 2017

Fiscal Assessment Report June 2017 Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

07/06/2017 Taxing Wages 2017 Ireland

Taxing Wages 2017 Ireland OECD
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Taxation
Authors : OECD

07/06/2017 Annual Report On Public Debt In Ireland June 2017

Annual Report on Public Debt in Ireland June 2017 Department of Finance
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

06/06/2017 Fiscal Monitor, May 2017

Fiscal Monitor
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

May, 2017

30/05/2017 Committee on the Future of Healthcare - Sláintecare Report (May, 2017)

Committee on the Future of Healthcare - Sláintecare Report (May, 2017)
Categories : Health,Health Policy,Oireachtas Committee
Authors : On The Future Of Healthcare, Committee

22/05/2017 Country Specific Recommendation Ireland May 2017

Country Specific Recommendation Ireland May 2017 EU Commission
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

09/05/2017 Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (May, 2017)

Report of the Public Service Pay Commission
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Service Pay Commission, Public

April, 2017

27/04/2017 Public Service Performance Report 2016

Public Service Performance Report 2016 Department of Public Expenditure & Reform
Categories : Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : Of Public Expenditure & Reform, Department

12/04/2017 Future Funding of Domestic Water Services Report

Future Funding of Domestic Water Services Report. Oireachtas Committee
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Committee, Oireachtas

11/04/2017 Ireland's Stability Programme, April 2017 Update

Ireland's Stability Programme, April 2017 Update Department of Finance
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

11/04/2017 Government Finance Statistics 2016

Central Statistics Office Government Finance Statistics 2016
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

05/04/2017 Fiscal Monitor March 2017

Fiscal Monitor March 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

March, 2017

07/03/2017 Fiscal Monitor February, 2017

Department of Finance, Fiscal Monitor February, 2017
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Of Finance, Department

February, 2017

03/02/2017 Fiscal Monitor January 2017

Fiscal Monitor January 2017. Department of Finance.
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

01/02/2017 Survey of Income and Living Conditions 2015

Survey of Income and Living Conditions 2015. Central Statistics Office.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : CSO

January, 2017

24/01/2017 Distribution Of The Local Property Tax – How The Equalisation Fund Works

The Local Property Tax redistributes funds to Local Authorities through an Equalisation Fund. In 2017 the Equalisation Fund will benefit 21 of the 31 Local Authorities totalling over €140m.
Categories : Local Government,Property Tax
Authors : Farrell, Colm

18/01/2017 British Prime Minister's Speech On Brexit 17 January 2017

British Prime Minister's Speech On Brexit 17 January 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Other Documents
Authors : May, Theresa

17/01/2017 Education - Pupil Enrolment Projections

Rising enrolment numbers will increase public spending on education in the next 5 to 10 years.
Categories : Other Documents,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Farrell, Colm

11/01/2017 How Should We Pay For Water

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.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Water Policy
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

11/01/2017 Local Authority Budgets in 2017

Local Authorities plan to spend €4.4 billion in 2017. This note accompanies the forthcoming update to the Local Authority Finances website with 2017 Budgets, and explains where the money will come from and what it will be spent on.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Local Government,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Farrell, Colm

December, 2016

20/12/2016 Brexit: Ireland And The UK In Numbers.

Brexit: Ireland and the UK in Numbers. CSO
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

19/12/2016 A Survey Of The Benefit System In Ireland

A Survey Of The Benefit System In Ireland
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Farrell, Colm

15/12/2016 Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2016, National Competitiveness Council, December 2016

Ireland's Competitiveness Challenge 2016, National Competitiveness Council, December 2016
Categories : Critical Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Competitiveness Council, National

14/12/2016 Distributional Impact of Tax and Welfare Policies: Budget 2017, ESRI

Distributional Impact of Tax and Welfare Policies: Budget 2017, ESRI
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : ESRI

12/12/2016 Commercial Rates & The Funding Of Local Authorities.

Income from commercial rates has increased by €137m (10%) between 2008 and 2015. This is in a period of little or no inflation. Rates income in 2015 was €1.5 billion, up from €1.4 billion in 2008. Reliance on commercial rates increased from 26% of revenue in 2008 to 37% in 2015. At least part of this increase is due to the reduction in Government grants arising from a transfer of functions, such as water services and third level support grants, from local authorities to other agencies.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Local Government,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

07/12/2016 Brexit - Ireland and the U.K. in numbers

Brevity - Ireland and the U.K. in numbers
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : CSO

01/12/2016 Distribution Of Wealth In Ireland

Almost 60% of wealth in Ireland is owned by those over 55 and the largest components of tangible household wealth are the main residence and farms.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

November, 2016

30/11/2016 Fiscal Assessment Report November, 2016

Fiscal Assessment Report November, 2016 Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

30/11/2016 Report on the Funding of Domestic Public Water Services in Ireland November 2016

Report on the Funding of Domestic Public Water Services in Ireland November 2016
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Water Policy
Authors : Commission On Domestic Public Water Services, Expert

25/11/2016 Automatic Enrolment Boosts Pension Membership & Pension Saving Significantly In The UK.

Automatic enrolment boosts pension membership and pension saving significantly in the UK.
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Of Fiscal Studies, Institute

23/11/2016 Environmental Indicators Ireland 2016

Environmental Indicators Ireland 2016 CSO
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

23/11/2016 Local Authority Rent Arrears In Dublin

Of the close to 24,000 tenancies in Dublin City Council, 6,300 or 26% are in arrears to the value of 12 weeks rent or more.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Farrell, Colm

17/11/2016 Irish Health Survey 2015

Irish Health Survey 2015
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : CSO

16/11/2016 Ireland's Public Debt Burden

While Ireland’s public debt burden is still relatively high, it is declining and the cost of servicing it will decline further as a share of Government revenue.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

09/11/2016 Health Costs By Age

The cost of claims in the private health insurance market is rising steeply for the those aged over 80 years old. Those aged 80+ have seen their average claims increase
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Farrell, Colm

08/11/2016 Climate Change Advisory Council, First Report, November 2016

Climate Change Advisory Council, First Report, November 2016
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis
Authors : Change Advisory Council, Climate

01/11/2016 Urgent Action Needed To Deliver Pension Promises

Ireland’s pension system promises adequate benefits in general but unless action is taken soon to address
Categories : Pension Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

October, 2016

26/10/2016 National Risk Assessment 2016

National Risk Assessment 2016
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : Of The Taoiseach, Department

19/10/2016 Government Finance Statistics Q2 2016

CSO Government Finance Statistics Q2 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

14/10/2016 Submission by Publicpolicy.ie to Commission on Water Charges October 2016

Submission by Publicpolicy.ie to Commission on Water Charges October 2016
Categories : Water Policy
Authors : Publicpolicy.ie

06/10/2016 Society At A Glance 2016 – Ireland

Society At A Glance 2016 – Ireland A spotlight on Youth
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : OECD

September, 2016

20/09/2016 Post-Programme Surveillance Report - Ireland, Spring 2016, EU Commission

Post-Programme Surveillance Report - Ireland, Spring 2016, EU Commission
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : EU

16/09/2016 Education at a Glance Ireland 2016 OECD

Education at a Glance Ireland 2016 OECD
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : OECD

08/09/2016 IFAC Pre-Budget 2017 Statement

Pre-Budget 2017 Statement
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

August, 2016

15/08/2016 Estimating Government Expenditure On Children In Ireland

This report estimates government expenditure on children (aged 0-18 years) in Ireland. The report proceeds as follows: Section 2 - we discuss the challenges involved in this type of study with reference to some of the existing literature in this area. Section 3 - we outline our methodology and Section 4 - we present our results. Section 5 presents some recommendations for future work.
Categories : Our Analysis
Authors : Redmond, Paul

11/08/2016 Very Low Work Intensity In Ireland And The EU

Very Low Work Intensity In Ireland And The EU
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Redmond, Paul

July, 2016

22/07/2016 An Analysis of Public and Private Sector Earnings in Ireland 2008-2013

Written by researchers from the UCC School of Economics and commissioned by Publicpolicy.ie, this report analyses public and private sector earnings in Ireland 2008-13. Data is used only for over 650,000 individuals who were in employment for the full period 2008 to 2013, worked a minimum of 48 weeks a year, and earned at least €10,000 a year.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Justin, Doran,McCarthy, Noirin

21/07/2016 Income Tax Reform Plan - July 2016

A Plan to review and examine options for future reform of Ireland's system of personal taxation.
Categories : Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

21/07/2016 Tax Strategy Group Papers - July 2016

The Department of Finance is today (21 July 2016) publishing the Tax Strategy Group Papers and an Income Tax Reform Plan.
Categories : Taxation
Authors : Of Finance, Department

14/07/2016 Government Income and Expenditure 2010 to 2015

Government Income and Expenditure 2010 to 2015
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure
Authors : CSO

14/07/2016 Government Finance Statistics Q1 2016

CSO Government Finance Statistics Quarter 1 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

June, 2016

08/06/2016 Fiscal Assessment Report June 2016

Irish Fiscal Advisory Council Report
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

May, 2016

24/05/2016 Never Again? - Averting Another Crisis (Executive Summary)

A critical feature of the period leading up to Ireland’s economic and financial crisis was a major underestimation of the risks associated with an increasingly unbalanced economy. The conclusions from the many official enquiries into the causes of Ireland’s unprecedented collapse all indicate that there had been a systemic failure to assess and manage key risks on the part of a wide range of public institutions. This Publicpolicy.ie report by a team led by Dr Donal Donovan, former Deputy Director of the IMF, proposes a number of measures to strengthen Ireland’s management of risks. The report is framed by a study of the practices and experiences of a number of countries with some characteristics not dissimilar to those of Ireland. The team met government officials from agencies and other independent experts in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and the UK.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal,Donovan, Donal,Farrell, Colm,Thornhill, Don

24/05/2016 Never Again? - Averting Another Crisis (Full Report)

A critical feature of the period leading up to Ireland’s economic and financial crisis was a major underestimation of the risks associated with an increasingly unbalanced economy. The conclusions from the many official enquiries into the causes of Ireland’s unprecedented collapse all indicate that there had been a systemic failure to assess and manage key risks on the part of a wide range of public institutions. This Publicpolicy.ie report by a team led by Dr Donal Donovan, former Deputy Director of the IMF, proposes a number of measures to strengthen Ireland’s management of risks. The report is framed by a study of the practices and experiences of a number of countries with some characteristics not dissimilar to those of Ireland. The team met government officials from agencies and other independent experts in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Netherlands, Norway and the UK.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal,Farrell, Colm,Thornhill, Don

19/05/2016 EU Commission Recommendations for Ireland 2016

Country Specific Recommendations for Ireland 2016
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

04/05/2016 Ireland’s Spring Economic Forecast 2016 (European Commission)

Ireland’s Spring Economic Forecast 2016 (European Commission)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

April, 2016

27/04/2016 Stability Programme Update April 2016

Stability Programme Update April 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

20/04/2016 Government Finance Statistics Quarter 4 2015

Government Finance Statistics Quarter 4 2015
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

18/04/2016 Taxing Wages 2015

OECD's Taxing Wages 2015
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Taxation
Authors : OECD

March, 2016

14/03/2016 Local Property Tax Statistics 2013-15

Revenue.ie The statistics in this release are based on preliminary analysis of returns filed and other LPT related information. Work on refining the LPT register is ongoing and consequently the data included are not final data and a certain amount of estimation has been required. The statistics in this release focus on LPT in 2013 to 2015.
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

01/03/2016 Ireland Country Report 2016

Ireland Country Report 2016. EU Commission
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : EU,European Commission

January, 2016

26/01/2016 Euro Health Consumer Index 2015

Health Consumer Powerhouse - - Euro Health Consumer Index 2015
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Consumer Powerhouse, Health

20/01/2016 IMF Post-Programme Monitoring Report Ireland January 2016

IMF Post-Programme Monitoring Report Ireland January 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : IMF

19/01/2016 Post-Programme Surveillance Report Ireland Autumn 2015

Post-Programme Surveillance Report Ireland Autumn 2015. European Commission
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Commission, European

December, 2015

17/12/2015 Financial Sustainability of the State Pension in Ireland

A report by Milliman, an actuarial consulting firm, on the Sustainability of the State Pension in Ireland concludes that “The State pension system is unsustainable in its current form but there is no easy solution to improve its sustainability”. Given the importance of the State pension in protecting people against poverty in old age, this is an issue that requires urgent action.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Public Expenditure
Authors : Milliman

16/12/2015 A Survey Of The Benefit System In Ireland

This surveys highlights expenditure on social protection in Ireland by individual programmes and social payments.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Farrell, Colm

04/12/2015 Ireland's System of Health Accounts, Annual Results 2013, CSO

Ireland's System of Health Accounts, Annual Results 2013, CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Health Policy
Authors : CSO

04/12/2015 "Taxes, Income And Economic Mobility In Ireland"

"Taxes, Income And Economic Mobility In Ireland" . S Kennedy et al. OECD
Categories : External Analysis
Authors : OECD

November, 2015

27/11/2015 Macroeconomic Scoreboard 2014

Macroeconomic Scoreboard 2014 CSO
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : CSO

26/11/2015 Survey Of Income And Living Conditions 2014

Survey of Income and Living Conditions 2014 CSO
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Income Distribution,Policy Briefs,Public Expenditure,Research Reports
Authors : CSO

26/11/2015 Fiscal Assessment Report November 2015

Fiscal Assessment Report November 2015 Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

24/11/2015 Education At A Glance 2015: Key Findings Ireland OECD

Education At A Glance 2015: Key Findings Ireland OECD
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : OECD

18/11/2015 EU Commission Opinion on Budget 2016

EU Commission Opinion on Budget 2016
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Commission, EU

18/11/2015 Review Of Budget Oversight By Parliment:Ireland, OECD , Autumn, 2015

Review Of Budget Oversight By Parliment:Ireland, OECD , Autumn, 2015
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis
Authors : OECD

06/11/2015 Health At A Glance-2015 Key Findings IRELAND; OECD

Health At A Glance-2015 Key Findings IRELAND; OECD
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : OECD

October, 2015

14/10/2015 Budget 2016

Budget 2016 Department of Finance.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

14/10/2015 Annual Government Finance Statistics October 2015 CSO

Annual Government Finance Statistics October 2015 CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : CSO

12/10/2015 Estimates Of Receipts & Expenditure 2016

Estimates Of Receipts & Expenditure 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits
Authors : Department Of Finance

08/10/2015 Healthy Ireland Survey 2015

Findings from the Department of Health.
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

September, 2015

30/09/2015 Capital Plan 2016-21

Building on Recovery: Infrastructure and Capital Investment 2016-2021
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

21/09/2015 How Drug Prices Are Set In Ireland

The increase in the costs of drugs in Ireland and the perception that prices are higher than in other countries has raised concerns about how these prices are set.
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Briody, Jonathan

18/09/2015 Pre-Budget 2016 Statement, October 2015

Pre-Budget 2016 Statement, October 2015 Irish Fiscal Advisory Counci
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

15/09/2015 Economic Survey Of Ireland September 2015. OECD

Economic Survey of Ireland September 2015. OECD
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : OECD

July, 2015

30/07/2015 The National Minimum Wage 2015

Recommendations from the Low Pay Commission for the National Minimum Wage 2015
Categories : Income Distribution,Policy Briefs,Public Expenditure
Authors : Pay Commission, Low

29/07/2015 Eurostat: Sector Classification of Irish Water

Eurostat: Sector Classification of Irish Water
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Water Policy
Authors : Eurostat

15/07/2015 Environment Taxes Reach €4.6 billion in 2014

€4.6 billion of environment related taxes were collected in 2014, an increase of 4.5% on 2013 but still 4.7% below their highest level of €4.8 billion in 2007. Energy taxes (mainly taxes on transport fuels) accounted for 61% of total environment taxes in 2014 with another 38% coming from Transport taxes (including motor tax and vehicle registration tax VRT).
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : CSO

15/07/2015 Energy Taxes

Ireland’s energy taxes are relatively high and above the OECD average. This note looks at our tax burden on energy use and CO2 emissions.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,Our Analysis,Taxation
Authors : Farrell, Colm

13/07/2015 Sustainable Governance Indicators 2015 : Ireland's Ranking. Bertelsmann Foundation

Sustainable Governance Indicators 2015 : Ireland's Ranking. Bertelsmann Foundation
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Foundation, Bertelsmann

08/07/2015 Deprivation

Deprivation levels have increased across all income deciles since the economic crisis in 2008. Deprivation is highest among lone-parents and lowest among those who are retired.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Income Distribution
Authors : Farrell, Colm

June, 2015

29/06/2015 Maths And Science Skills Of Irish Students

Ireland’s maths and science scores, among 15-year-old students, are above the OECD average. Yet, 15% of 15-year-olds lack basic skills.
Categories : Other Documents,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

23/06/2015 IMF Report On Ireland June 2015

IMF Report on Ireland June 2015. IMF Executive Board Concludes Third Post-Program Monitoring Discussions with Ireland
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : IMF

18/06/2015 Analysis of High Income Individuals' Restriction 2013

The 2006 and 2007 Finance Acts introduced, with effect from 1 January 2007, measures to limit the use of certain tax reliefs and exemptions (known as ‘specified reliefs’) by high income individuals. Such individuals, by means of the cumulative use of various tax incentive reliefs, had in previous years the
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Taxation
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

18/06/2015 Vacant Site Levy - An Update

In our commentary published on 21 May, 2015 we argued that the proposed exemption of land in public ownership from the vacant site levy under the the Planning and Development(No 1) Bill, 2014 (Head 5) was misconceived.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

11/06/2015 Ireland's Public Debt Burden

This note (updated) examines Ireland’s debt burden and also includes comparisons with other EU countries.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

05/06/2015 OECD Economic Outlook (June, 2015)

OECD Economic Outlook (June, 2015)
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : OECD

05/06/2015 Fiscal Assessment Report (June, 2015)

Fiscal Advisory Council ‘Fiscal Assessment Report’ (June, 2015)
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

01/06/2015 Assessment Of 2015 Stability Programme For Ireland, EU Commission, May 2015

Assessment of 2015 Stability Programme for Ireland, EU Commission, May 2015
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : European Commission

May, 2015

21/05/2015 EU Recommendation On Ireland's Stability Programme (Draft) May 2015

EU Recommendation on Ireland's Stability Programme (Draft) May 2015. EU Commission.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

13/05/2015 Compare Your Country - Tax Burden On Labour Income

OECD -Compare Your Country - Tax Burden On Labour Income
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Research Reports,Taxation
Authors : OECD

13/05/2015 Some Myths About Education, May 2015, OECD

Some Myths About Education, May 2015, OECD
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : OECD

13/05/2015 Taxing Wages : Key Findings for Ireland. April 2015, OECD

Taxing Wages : Key Findings for Ireland. April 2015, OECD
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : OECD

13/05/2015 Alcohol Consumption in Ireland. May 2015 OECD

Tackling Harmful Alcohol Use Country note - Ireland
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : OECD

April, 2015

29/04/2015 Ireland’s Stability Programme April 2015 Update

Ireland’s Stability Programme April 2015 Update incorporating the Department of Finance's Spring Economic Statment.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Department Of Finance

29/04/2015 Spring Economic Statement April 2015

Department of Finance Spring Economic Statement April 2015
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Department Of Finance

20/04/2015 Government Finance Statistics April 2015

Government Finance Statistics April 2015 CSO
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : CSO

16/04/2015 Fiscal Monitor - April 2015

Fiscal Policies for Sustainable Growth. IMF. April 2015.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

13/04/2015 Monthly Economic Bulletin April 2015

Department of Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

08/04/2015 The EU Expenditure Benchmark: Operational Issues for Ireland in 2016

Analytical Note No. 7: April 2015
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

March, 2015

26/03/2015 IMF Report On Ireland March 2015

IMF Report on Ireland March 2015
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

20/03/2015 Spending On Medication Increases With Age.

Public spending per head on medication for the oldest age group is almost 20 times that for children aged between 5 and 11.
Categories : Health Policy
Authors : Redmond, Paul

09/03/2015 Defined Benefit Pension Schemes Statistics 2014

Defined benefit schemes - Review of 2014 statistics
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform
Authors : Authority, Pensions

04/03/2015 Country Report Ireland 2015 : EU Commission

COMMISSION STAFF WORKING DOCUMENT Country Report Ireland 2015 Including an In-Depth Review on the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : European Commission

04/03/2015 Evaluation Of Tax Expenditure

Presentation from a Seminar on the Evaluation of Tax Expenditures held in the Department of Finance on 2 March, 2015”.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Our Analysis,Presentations/Conference,Taxation
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

04/03/2015 Data Issues In Evaluation Of Tax Expenditures: A Revenue Perspective

Data Issues in Evaluation of Tax Expenditures: a Revenue Perspective by Keith Walsh
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Presentations/Conference,Taxation
Authors : Walsh, Keith

04/03/2015 Case Studies In Tax Expenditure Evaluation

Presentation to Seminar on Evaluation of Tax Expenditures, 2 March 2015 Brendan O'Connor, Ecomomics Division, Department of Finance.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis,Presentations/Conference,Taxation
Authors : O'Connor, Brendan

04/03/2015 Overview of Department of Finance Tax Expenditure Evaluation Guidelines

Seminar on Evaluation of Tax Expenditures, 2 March 2014 Presentation by David Hegarty & Donal Lynch Economics Division, Department of Finance
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Presentations/Conference,Taxation
Authors : Hegarty & Donal Lynch, David

February, 2015

10/02/2015 Going For Growth 2015: Ireland Country Notes

OECD Going For Growth 2015: Ireland Country Notes
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : OECD

06/02/2015 Irish Economy : EU Commission Forecast February 2015

Ireland's economy is expected to remain resilient and to keep growing faster than the EU average. Thanks to buoyant tax revenues, the deficit remains on a downward path despite considerable overspending
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : EU

05/02/2015 Appointments To State Boards : New Procedures

Guidelines on Appointments to State Boards Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, November 2014
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

05/02/2015 Fiscal Update - Q4 2014

Budget 2015 was the first expansionary Budget since the onset of the economic crisis, and brought to an end seven years of fiscal consolidation. This note surveys the health of our public finances in 2014, highlighting the better-than-expected tax revenues that allowed for an early end to austerity.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis,Taxation
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

04/02/2015 Work Incentives

A key aim of public policy is to ensure that work pays while achieving adequate income protection for the unemployed. This is particularly important in the case of young people in order to avoid locking them into long-term unemployment which has very negative economic and social consequences in the longer-term. This note looks at some data on incentives to work.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

02/02/2015 Where Did The Money Go ?

Where did all the money channelled into property-backed lending go? Patrick Honohan's article in the Irish Times.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Honohan, Patrick

02/02/2015 Self-Reported Health In Ireland

Self-Reported Health (SRH) is thought of by many as a "one-size fits all" measure of the overall health level of a population and thus has been suggested as a possible solution to measuring health outcomes and determining health needs. Ireland routinely performs well in international comparisons of this indicator. This note investigates whether Self-Reported Health is a good measure of population health.
Categories : Health,Health Policy,Our Analysis
Authors : Briody, Jonathan

January, 2015

30/01/2015 Ireland: Second Post-program Monitoring Discussions; Staff Report; January 2015

Ireland SECOND POST-PROGRAM MONITORING DISCUSSIONS; STAFF REPORT; January, 2015 IMF
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : IMF

30/01/2015 Ireland: Ex Post Evaluation Of Exceptional Access Under The 2010 Extended Arrangement- January 2015

IRELAND: EX POST EVALUATION OF EXCEPTIONAL ACCESS UNDER THE 2010 EXTENDED ARRANGEMENT - January 2015
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Sector Reform
Authors : IMF

30/01/2015 Household Finance And Consumption Survey, 2013, CSO

Household Finance and Consumption Survey, 2013, CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : CSO

29/01/2015 Ireland : IMF Annual Review 2015 Statement

An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission visited Dublin during January 20–27 for the 2015 Article IV consultation discussions, part of the IMF’s regular surveillance of all member countries. This document outlines its finding.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : IMF

28/01/2015 New Regulations On Residential Mortgage Lending

The Central Bank of Ireland today (27 January) announced the introduction of new regulations which will apply proportionate limits to mortgage lending by regulated financial services providers in the Irish market.
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Bank, Central

28/01/2015 Implementation Of The Local Property Tax

This note sets out the structure of the Local Property Tax, the details of which were finalized on September 4th 2014. The tax came into effect on July 1st 2013 and in that year only a half charge was applied. 2014 was the first full year of the tax, for which the yield was €491m. From 2015, Local Authorities will be empowered to increase or decrease the rate of LPT in their jurisdictions by up to 15%. It was also announced that no Local Authority would receive less than their 2014 level of funding through an Equalisation Fund. Two case studies are provided on the implementation of the Local Property Tax in Dublin City and in Donegal.
Categories : Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Duffy, Karl

December, 2014

18/12/2014 Health Service National Service Plan 2014

Health Service National Service Plan 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy,Public Expenditure
Authors : Health

12/12/2014 Revenue Statistics Ireland 2014

The tax GNP ratio in Ireland in 2012 was 33.4% (OECd avg 33.7% of GDP)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : OECD

08/12/2014 The Recruitment, Retention, Performance And Development Of Senior Civil Servants In Ireland

Top Level Appointments Committee Final Report
Categories : External Analysis,Policy Briefs,Public Sector Reform
Authors : TLAC

01/12/2014 How The Irish Pension System Provides For Current Retirees

This note examines the data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA) in relation to the incomes of the current population of retirees (aged over 65). It identifies the core determinants of these current incomes and suggests the policy implications that these results hold.
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Public Expenditure
Authors : Briody, Jonathan

November, 2014

27/11/2014 HSE National Service Plan 2015

The National Service Plan for 2015, as required under legislation, sets out the type and volume of services, which will be provided across the health services within the funding allocated by Government and taking into consideration: Quality improvement and patient safety, reform of the health services & the quantum of services to be provided.
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : HSE

26/11/2014 Ireland’s Fiscal Profile – Q4 2014

An overview of the fiscal situation in Q4 2014, looking at the recent evolution of government revenues, expenditure (current and capital), the deficit and the national debt.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Duffy, Karl

25/11/2014 Fiscal Assessment Report November 2014

Fiscal Assessment Report November 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

12/11/2014 Domestic Water Use And Charges: Evidence From The USA

Domestic Water Use and Charges: Evidence from the US
Categories : Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

12/11/2014 Report On Tax Expenditures

The Commission on Taxation recommended a systematic approach to the evaluation of tax expenditures (Recommendation 8.5 P 230). This report by the Department of Finance sets out an excellent process to achieve this. When implemented it should ensure that the proliferation of tax expenditures which made a significant contribution to the economic crisis should be avoided in the future.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/11/2014 Economic Forecasts for Ireland Autumn 2014

Economic Forecasts for Ireland Autumn 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

October, 2014

30/10/2014 Civil Service Renewal Plan

A three-year reform plan for the Civil Service, launched in October 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Service Renewal Taskforce, Civil

21/10/2014 Survey of Irish Benefits 2014

This paper, updated for 2014, surveys the benefit system in Ireland. It provides detail on social payments as a percentage of GDP, GNP and overall government expenditure and it compares the benefit system in Ireland to that of the UK.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : Preston, Shauna

20/10/2014 Report of Top Level Appointments Committee 2013 (October 2014)

Report of Top Level Appointments Committee 2013 (October 2014)
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

16/10/2014 Budget 2015

Proposed revenues and expenditures for the year 2015, presented to the Dáil on 14 October 2014 by the Minister for Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

16/10/2014 Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2015-2017

This document is the Comprehensive Expenditure Report 2015 – 2017, as presented to Dáil Éireann on 14 October 2014 by the Minster for Public Expenditure & Reform. It sets out the Government’s expenditure allocations and measures for 2015, and the expenditure ceilings for 2016 and 2017.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Public Expenditure
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

14/10/2014 Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure 2015 (Pre-Budget).

Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure 2015 (Pre-Budget). Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

September, 2014

30/09/2014 Decision on Water Charges by the Commission for Energy Regulation

Press Release - Decision on Water Charges by the Commission for Energy Regulation
Categories : External Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : For Energy Regulation, Commission

22/09/2014 Pre-Budget 2015 Statement

September 2014 Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

09/09/2014 Education at a Glance 2014-Ireland

The attached note summarises the findings in relation to Ireland from the 2014 Edition of the OECD publication "Education at a Glance".
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : OECD

08/09/2014 Ireland’s Competitiveness

Ireland is ranked 25th in the 2014 Global Competitiveness Report. How can we improve our position?
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

04/09/2014 Government Finalises Implementation of Local Property Tax

The Government has today (4th September 2014) finalised the implementation of the Local Property Tax (LPT); 80% of LPT will be retained locally to fund vital public services in 2015. The remaining 20% will be re-distributed to provide top-up funding to certain local authority areas that have lower property tax bases due to the variance in property values across the State
Categories : External Analysis,Local Government,Property Tax
Authors : Of The Environment, Department

August, 2014

14/08/2014 The Cost of Collecting Commercial Rates

Using our dataset on Local Authority finances, this note examines the efficiency of Commercial Rate collection in Ireland. There is a wide disparity in the performance of individual Local Authorities, while the sector as a whole compares unfavourably to the efficiency of collection by the Revenue.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis
Authors : Farrell, Colm

13/08/2014 Update to Local Government Finance Web App

More data on Town Councils included in our App localauthorityfinances.com
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

13/08/2014 Fiscal Update Q2 2014: Austerity Fatigue

An analysis of exchequer returns in the year to July and their implication for Budget 2015 Excerpt: How much wriggle room for Budget 2015?
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

July, 2014

30/07/2014 Strengthening Civil Service Accountability & Performance of our Civil Service: How and When

Paper by Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Robert Watt, delivered at MacGill Summer School, 23 July 2014.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Watt, Robert

30/07/2014 Data Everywhere

This blog post from Robert Watt, the Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, looks at the government’s efforts to make more accessible data regarding the public finances.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Watt, Robert

30/07/2014 Good Health

This blog post from the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform looks at how expenditure on the health services has changed over recent years
Categories : External Analysis,Health Policy
Authors : Howlin, Brendan

30/07/2014 Government Finance Statistics 2014 Quarter 1

CSO - Government Finance Statistics 2014 Q1
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

30/07/2014 The Distribution of Income and the Public Finances

The Distribution of Income and the Public Finances
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : FitzGerald, John

23/07/2014 Local Property Tax Statistics July 2014

The statistics in this release from the Revenue Commissioners are based on preliminary analysis of returns filed and other LPT related information. Work on refining the LPT Register is ongoing and consequently the data included are not final data and a certain amount of estimation has been required.
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

17/07/2014 Review of NAMA

Review of the progress of the National Asset Management Agency
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

10/07/2014 Wealth of Older People in Ireland : North and South, CARDI, June 2014

Wealth of Older People in Ireland : North and South, CARDI, June 2014
Categories : Income Distribution
Authors : Cardi

09/07/2014 Quantification of the Economic Impacts of Selected Structural Reforms in Ireland

Quantification of the Economic Impacts of Selected Structural Reforms in Ireland Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service Working Paper July 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Irish Government Economic And Evaluation Service

June, 2014

24/06/2014 Post-Programme Surveillance for Ireland - Spring 2014 Report

This first post-programme surveillance (PPS) report provides an assessment of Ireland's economic, fiscal and financial situation following the completion of the EU-IMF financial assistance programme.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

13/06/2014 Report of Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance May 2014

Report of Independent Panel on Strengthening Civil Service Accountability and Performance May 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Dowling, Dorothea

12/06/2014 Welfare Targeting and Work Incentives

Tax and welfare policies must strike a balance between providing income support to those in need and maintaining a financial incentive to work. This paper focuses mainly on the latter objective, identifying the financial incentive to work as measured by the replacement rate – the ratio of out-of-work income to in-work income.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Keane, Claire

12/06/2014 Can We Measure Who Loses Most From Public Service Spending Cuts?

The distributional impacts of changes in taxes and cash benefits are relatively well-understood. This paper explores the less understood methods for modelling the impact of changes to spending on ‘in-kind’ benefits – such as health, education or infrastructure – and the issues those methods raise.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : O'Dea, Cormac

12/06/2014 Tracker Mortgages; How Much Equity?

This note analyses mortgage arrears in Ireland with particular reference to tracker mortgages
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

11/06/2014 EU Opinion on Ireland's Stability Programme 2014

EU Opinion on Ireland's Stability Programme 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : European Commission

11/06/2014 Ireland’s Public Debt Burden

This note examines Ireland’s debt burden and also includes comparisons with other EU countries.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : Nacheva, Martina

May, 2014

30/05/2014 The Behaviour Of Wages In Ireland During The Recession

This report looks at the issue of downward wage rigidity - specifically, whether or not wages fell during the recession. Using a histogram approach, the authors find little evidence to suggest that structural or institutional factors prevented wages from falling during the period 2008 -2011
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Lambert, Derek,O'Meara, Graeme

21/05/2014 Public Service Reform In Ireland

Presentation By Robert Watt To IIEA 15 May 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Presentations/Conference,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Watt, Robert

15/05/2014 Construction 2020

The government’s strategy for accelerating growth in the construction sector
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Government, Irish

13/05/2014 Local Property Tax Statistics April 2014

The statistics in this release are based on preliminary analysis of returns filed and other LPT related information. Work on refining the LPT Register is ongoing and consequently the data included are not final data and a cert
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

09/05/2014 Ireland's Report Card May 2014

Ireland's Continuing Progress May 2014 - Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

07/05/2014 Health And Education: Are Our Priorities Right?

Relative spending on education versus health is low in Ireland compared to other EU countries when account is taken of our younger population.
Categories : Health,Health Policy,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

06/05/2014 IMF: Ireland-Concluding Statement Of The First Post-Program Monitoring Discussion May 2014

IMF: Ireland-Concluding Statement Of The First Post-Program Monitoring Discussion May 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

April, 2014

25/04/2014 Exchequer Returns February 2014

Monthly exchequer returns in Excel format. Returns are broken down in to their separate tax headings
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

25/04/2014 Tax Receipts March 2014

Monthly tax receipts in Excel format. Tax receipts are broken down in to their separate tax headings.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

23/04/2014 Raising Resources For UHI

Background Policy Paper on Raising Resources for Universal Health Insurance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health
Authors : Of Health, Department

23/04/2014 Designing The Future Health Basket

Background Policy Paper on the Designing the Future Health Basket
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health
Authors : Of Health, Department

20/04/2014 Fiscal Update - Q1 2014

An analysis of exchequer returns for the first quarter of 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

17/04/2014 Stability Programme Update 2014

The SPU sets out the official macro-economic and fiscal forecasts for Ireland out to 2018.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

17/04/2014 Survey On Income And Living Conditions

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. It is the official source of data on household and individual income and also provides a number of key national poverty indicators, such as the at risk of poverty rate, the consistent poverty rate and rates of enforced deprivation. This report presents the results for 2012 and comparable data for previous years.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : CSO

14/04/2014 Holders Of Irish Government Bonds

The Central Bank of Ireland is today (11 April 2014) introducing an enhanced dataset on the holders of Irish government bonds.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Bank, Central

14/04/2014 Government Finance Statistics 2013

Central Statistics Office 2009 - 2013 (April 2014 Results)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : CSO

11/04/2014 IMF Fiscal Monitor April 2014

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.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

08/04/2014 Monthly Economic Bulletin April 2014

Department of Finance's Monthly Economic Bulletin
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

07/04/2014 Effective Rates Of Corporation Tax In Ireland.

This Technical Paper considers calculations for an effective tax rate on corporate profits in Ireland. This is done under three broad headings: using model companies; using official national statistics; and using company financial reports. Between these, eight approaches for calculating the effective tax rate on company profits are identified.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

07/04/2014 Public Service Pensions Accrued Liability

An actuarial valuation has been carried out by the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform to update the accrued liability in respect of Public Service occupational pensions.
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

03/04/2014 White Paper On Universal Health Insurance

The Path to Universal Healthcare. The government set out their model for Universal Health Insurance, as well as a road map for achieving it.
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : Of Health, Department

03/04/2014 Letter From California - Hospitals, Highways And Water

California continues to be a world leader in most of what it does and how it does it. A recent visit yielded some good (the value of scale, volunteers, transparency), and not so good (labelling of highway exits, water policy and management) examples
Categories : Other Documents,Water Policy
Authors : Convery, Frank

March, 2014

18/03/2014 Ireland: The Crisis And Its Aftermath

Ireland: The Crisis and Its Aftermath
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : OECD

13/03/2014 Ireland's Report Card March 2014

Ireland's Report Card March 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

07/03/2014 Macroeconomic Imbalances Ireland 2014

European Economy - Macroeconomic Imbalances Ireland 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : European Commission

05/03/2014 Tax Revenue Profile 2014

Monthly profile of expected exchequer tax revenue receipts in 2014
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/03/2014 Auto-Enrolment Into Pensions: An Option For Ireland?

This commentary describes the policy of auto-enrolment in pension schemes.
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : O'Dea, Cormac

03/03/2014 The Prevalence of Smoking in Ireland

In October 2013 the Minister for Health, Dr. James Reilly launched the policy “A Tobacco Free Ireland by 2025”. The aim of the policy is to reduce the percentage of the population smoking to less than 5 per cent. This note sets out the latest position.
Categories : Health,Our Analysis
Authors : Redmond, Paul

02/03/2014 Compare Your Country - OECD Economic Outlook

This is a link to the OECD website which allows comparison with other OECD countries on a range of economic and social indicators.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : OECD

February, 2014

20/02/2014 The Troika And Financial Assistance In The Euro Area: Successes And Failures

The Troika and financial assistance in the euro area: successes and failures.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Bruegal

17/02/2014 Debt And Growth: Is There A Magic Threshold

IMF researchers Andrea Pescatori, Damiano Sandri, and John Simon find no evidence of any particular debt threshold above which medium-term growth prospects are dramatically compromised.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

17/02/2014 Low Skills Of The Irish Workforce

In a guest commentary, John Martin former Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs at OECD shows that the skill levels among the working-age population in Ireland are relatively low. Upskilling the adult population, especially in terms of the key information-processing skills, has to be a high priority for policy makers.
Categories : Income Distribution
Authors : P Martin, John

05/02/2014 Ireland: Report Card February 2014

Ireland's Continuing Progress February 2014 - Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

January, 2014

29/01/2014 EU Fiscal Governance: Issues for Ireland

EU Fiscal Governance: Issues for Ireland. IIEA 28 January 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Presentations/Conference
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

29/01/2014 EU Fiscal Governance: The New Rules

EU Fiscal Governance: The New Rules.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Presentations/Conference
Authors : McArdle, Pat

27/01/2014 Work Incentives

A key aim of public policy is to ensure that work pays while achieving adequate income protection for the unemployed. This is particularly important in the case of young people in order to avoid locking them into long-term unemployment which has very negative economic and social consequences in the longer-term.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Working Papers
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

23/01/2014 Policy Perspectives: Staff Publications 2013

Policy Perspectives: Staff Publications 2013 Department of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Finance

23/01/2014 Medium Term Budgetary Framework December 2013

Department of Finance Medium Term Budgetary Framework Published December 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

15/01/2014 Report of the Expert Group on Repossessions

Recommendations from a civil service expert group on improving Ireland’s repossession framework
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Expert

15/01/2014 Health At A Glance 2013

The 2013 Edition of Health at a Glance-OECD Indicators presents the most recent comparable data on key indicators of health and health systems across the 34 OECD member countries. Attached is a note on how Ireland compares on Key Measures.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health
Authors : De Buitléir

15/01/2014 Public Service Reform Plan 2014-2016

The government’s strategy for public sector reform. Published in January, 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Of Public Expenditure And Reform, Department

01/01/2014 Budget & Economic Statistics 2013

Department of Finance Budget & Economic Statistics 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

December, 2013

19/12/2013 12th IMF Review December 2013

TWELFTH REVIEW UNDER THE EXTENDED ARRANGEMENT AND PROPOSAL FOR POST-PROGRAM MONITORING
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

18/12/2013 Health Service National Service Plan 2014

Health Service National Service Plan 2014
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : Health

17/12/2013 A Strategy for Growth: Medium-Term Economic Strategy 2014-2020

Government of Ireland, December 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

13/12/2013 EUROPEAN ECONOMY Occasional Papers 167 | December 2013

Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland Autumn 2013 Review
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Commission

13/12/2013 Ireland Report Card December 2013

Ireland Report Card December 2013 from the Department of Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

12/12/2013 Local Property Tax : Variation by Local Authorities

This note examines the scope which individual local authorities would have to vary the rate of property tax in their area should Government allow authorities to do so. The potential varies significantly in different local authority area.
Categories : Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

09/12/2013 Monthly Economic Bulletin December 2013

December 2013 Monthly Economic Bulletin Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

09/12/2013 From Grants to Finance: How to Unlock Home Retrofit Investment

This paper examines the issues which arise in relation to investment in energy conservation in private residences
Categories : Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Curtin , Joseph

04/12/2013 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA Scores) Results 2012

An Overview of Ireland's Results Can be Found Here
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : OECD

November, 2013

27/11/2013 Ireland: Pensions at a Glance 2013, OECD

Ireland: Pensions at a Glance 2013, OECD
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : OECD

27/11/2013 The Finances of Local Government in Ireland

This note sets out the income and expenditure of the local government sector in Ireland.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : O'Meara, Graeme

25/11/2013 Perspectives on Fiscal Challenges Facing Ireland November 2013

Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, Robert Watt, address at the Social Justice Ireland’s annual Social Policy Conference, in Croke Park, on Tuesday 19 November 2013.
Categories : Budget and Troika
Authors : Watt, Robert

23/11/2013 Fiscal Assessment Report; November, 2013

Fiscal Assessment Report; November, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

22/11/2013 Government: How Ireland Compares with OECD Countries 2013

Government at a glance 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : OECD

22/11/2013 Health Service in Ireland: Key Points 2013

Ireland continues to make substantive headway in improving health outcomes, but more can be done in reducing risk-factors for major diseases and improving value-for-money in health spending, according to a new OECD report.
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : OECD

21/11/2013 Government Needs To Explain Why It Is Keeping 80% of the Property Tax

The decision by Government not to adhere to previous commitments to allocate 80pc of the yield from local property tax in 2014 to those areas in which the property is based is regrettable. The reverse in policy has not been explained satisfactorily
Categories : Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

18/11/2013 EU Autumn 2013 Fiscal Surveillance Package

The EU Commission has issued its first ever opinions on each of the 13 Draft Budgetary Plans submitted by euro area Member States by 15 October, 2013. Four Member States (Cyprus, Greece, Ireland and Portugal) were exempted from this exercise as they are subject to a macroeconomic adjustment programme, which already provides this budgetary information. The euro area fiscal surveillance is rooted in the 'Two-Pack' legislation, which entered into force on 30 May 2013 Ireland will be subject to this exercise in Autumn 2014 and the attached document sets out further information on the process
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

15/11/2013 Ireland : Report Card November 2013

Ireland : Report Card November 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

11/11/2013 Budget 2014: The 9% Rate of VAT

This report analyses the impact of the 9% rate of VAT on tourism and employment. It is argued that directly reducing the taxation of employment would be more effective and less distortionary than the indirect method of lowering taxes on the consumption of goods and services that are labour-intensive
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors :

11/11/2013 Effective Water Pricing Is Key To Ensuring Supply

The recent water shortage in Dublin is largely the result of a policy decision the government of the day enacted in 1997; this decision shifted the costs of storing, treating and supplying water from the domestic water user to the general taxpayer
Categories : Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Convery, Frank

10/11/2013 The Importance of Exuberance – Alfred Marshall and Garret Fitzgerald

Frequent encounters with a four year old remind me of what leaks away as we grow older; joyful spontaneity makes way for caution, inertia, knowingness and calculation
Categories : Other Documents
Authors : Convery, Frank

07/11/2013 The Irish Tax System in an International Context

This paper gives an overview of the evolution of the Irish tax system and the changing composition of tax revenue. It also compares the Irish tax system with EU and OECD standards.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : Worth, Jessica

06/11/2013 Measuring Youth Unemployment

The conventional measure of youth unemployment does not account for comparatively higher participation in education by young people. This report contrasts the conventional measure with an alternative – the unemployment ratio.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Deshpande, Patrick

01/11/2013 Mortgage Restructures Data for Principal Dwelling Houses - End August 2013

The information represents mortgage restructures and arrears to the end of August 2013 for principal dwelling houses (PDH) for the 6 main banks which are part of the Central Bank’s Mortgage Arrears Resolution Targets. These lenders represent 90% of the market. The data has not gone through the lenders quality control process and is unaudited.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Of Finance, Department

01/11/2013 Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland: Summer 2013 Review

A joint EC/IMF/ECB mission visited Dublin during 9-18 July 2013 to conduct the eleventh review mission under the Economic Adjustment Programme. The mission found that programme implementation remains robust overall, even though domestic vulnerabilities and external risks remain important and will require on-going commitment from the authorities to reforms under the programme and beyond. This report by European Commission services provides a summary of the main findings of the mission, including an assessment of compliance with the programme conditionality, and an overview of challenges faced by Ireland ahead.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Commission, European

October, 2013

26/10/2013 Appropriation Accounts 2012

Index to the Appropriation Accounts 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : General Controller, Auditor

21/10/2013 Analysis of the Impact VAT Reduction on Irish Tourism & Employment

Report carried out by Deloitte on behalf of Fáilte Ireland, examining the impact of the VAT reduction from 13.5%to 9% on tourism-related goods and services
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Deloitte

21/10/2013 Government Finance Statistics October 2013

Government Finance Statistics October 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : CSO

21/10/2013 Analysis of High Income Individuals' Restriction 2011

Report of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

17/10/2013 Budget 2014 – Changes to the Standard Fund Threshold Regime

Presentation on changes made to the Standard Fund Threshold in Budget 2014, including its reduction to €2m from €2.3m
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Of Finance, Department

16/10/2013 Expenditure Report 2014

Contains the Expenditure Strategy, Expenditure Allocations 2014-2016, Ireland’s Public Expenditure Framework in Comparative Perspective, and 2014 Estimates for Public Services
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Of Expenditure And Reform, Department

16/10/2013 Budget 2014

Contains a summary of taxation measures, more in-depth taxation annexes, economic and fiscal outlook and an endorsement by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Of Finance, Department

16/10/2013 Summary of Budget 2014 Taxation Measures

Summary of taxation measures introduced in Budget 2014 and their yield/cost
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Of Finance, Department

14/10/2013 Government Finance Statistics

Annual statistics relating to government finances and net worth, 2009 -2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : CSO

14/10/2013 IMF 'Taxing Times' Fiscal Monitor Report October, 2013

IMF 'Taxing Times' Fiscal Monitor Report October, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

14/10/2013 IMF Fiscal Monitor Database October 2013

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.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

12/10/2013 Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure for 2014

Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure for 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

11/10/2013 Limiting Pension Reliefs Targets for 2014

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.
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Acuvest

11/10/2013 The Valuation of Public and Private Sector Pensions : Some Issues

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
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Acuvest

08/10/2013 Local Property Tax Statistics to 30/9/13

Local Property Tax Statistics to 30/9/13
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

08/10/2013 Ireland : Eleventh Review Under the Extended Arrangement

Ireland : Eleventh Review Under the Extended Arrangement
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

06/10/2013 Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2013

Department of Finance's Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

06/10/2013 OECD Health Data 2013

OECD Health Data
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : OECD

September, 2013

30/09/2013 Finance Accounts 2012

Audited Financial Statements of the Exchequer For the Financial Year 1st January 2012 to 31st December 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

30/09/2013 The Universal Social Charge Should Apply to State Contributory Pensions

This note explains why the The Universal Social Charge Should Apply to State Contributory Pensions
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

26/09/2013 The Government's Balance Sheet after the Crisis: A Comprehensive Perspective

The Government's Balance Sheet after the Crisis: A Comprehensive Perspective
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Fiscal Advisory Council, Irish

24/09/2013 Dail Electoral System

Convention on the Constitution: Fourth Report
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : On The Constitution, Convention

20/09/2013 Growing Up In Ireland - Development from Birth to Three Years

Growing Up in Ireland Survey Report 5
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : ESRI

18/09/2013 Remaining Structural Reforms Under the EU/IMF Programme

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.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Neill, Darragh

13/09/2013 Chairman's Blogs: April 2012 - September 2013

Public Policy Commentaries Compilation.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

11/09/2013 Report On Top Level Appointments To 31 December 2012

Report On Top Level Appointments To 31 December 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Level Appointments Committee, Top

10/09/2013 Absenteeism in the HSE

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.
Categories : Health,Our Analysis
Authors : Redmond, Paul

August, 2013

29/08/2013 Welfare Traps

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.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

16/08/2013 Comment on Results of SILC Thematic Report on Elderly

Young carry the can for elderly in recessionary squeeze. Seniors got more from the boom and have given less back as belts tightened in the bust.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : O'Brien, Dan

16/08/2013 Survey on Income and Living Conditions. Thematic Report on the Elderly 2004-2011

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
Authors : CSO

July, 2013

30/07/2013 Organ Donation – The Case For ‘Opt Out’ Rather Than ‘Opt In’.

When money is short, it is especially important to seek out those opportunities that make us better off, and don’t cost much.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Health,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

26/07/2013 Local Property Tax Payment Options Successfully Implemented

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.
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

25/07/2013 Low Income Self-Employed Are Unfairly Treated by the Tax System

Self-employed people face a higher rate of tax than employees. The inequity is particularly acute at low levels of income.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : Conroy, Niall,De Buitléir, Donal

25/07/2013 Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Sharing

.Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Sharing
Categories : Budget and Troika
Authors : OECD

19/07/2013 Early Childhood Education

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.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : Deshpande, Patrick

17/07/2013 Ireland : Fiscal Transparency Assessment July 2013

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
Authors : IMF

15/07/2013 The Distributional Effects of Fiscal Consolidation

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
Authors : IMF

04/07/2013 Independence Day – Insights From The US

A few reflections on American culture to celebrate Independence Day
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

June, 2013

27/06/2013 Understanding The Impact of the Great Recession on Income Inequality

Presentation by Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : O'Donoghue, Cathal

26/06/2013 The Structure of Ireland's Tax System And Options for Growth Enhancing Reform

Presentation by Brendan O'Connor at the Tax Conference June 2013 hosted by the Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : O'Connor, Brendan

24/06/2013 Why Coillte’s Timber Harvesting Rights Should Not Be Sold.

The Government has decided not to sell the harvesting rights to the State owned forests managed by Coillte. This is the right decision.
Categories : Other Documents
Authors : Convery, Frank

20/06/2013 The Minimum Wage: Too High Or Too Low?

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.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

20/06/2013 IMF Tenth Review of Troika Programme

IMF Tenth Review of Troika Programme
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

19/06/2013 Q: How Do You Want To Pay For Water?

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.
Categories : Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

18/06/2013 IMF Completes Tenth Review of Ireland's Programme

IMF Completes Tenth Review of Ireland's Programme
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : IMF

17/06/2013 Fit for Purpose? Progress Report on Public Service Reform

Fit for Purpose? Progress Report on Public Service Reform
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Of Public Administration, Institute

17/06/2013 EU/IMF Memorandum of Understanding June 2013

Quarterly review of the Troika programme, published on June 13th, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

May, 2013

30/05/2013 The Role of the Government Economic Service in Scotland

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.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Gillespie, Gary

24/05/2013 Labour Relations Commission Proposals for Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016

Labour Relations Commission Proposals for Public Service Stability Agreement 2013-2016
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : LRC

23/05/2013 Public Service Reform – Where Now?

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”
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Watt, Robert

22/05/2013 The Establishment of Hospital Groups as a Transition to Independent Hospital Trusts

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.
Categories : External Analysis,Health
Authors : Higgins, John

22/05/2013 Average Length Of Stay (ALOS) In Irish Hospitals

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
Categories : Health,Our Analysis
Authors : Redmond, Paul

16/05/2013 Building A New Relationship With The Private Sector

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.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Watt, Robert

16/05/2013 New OECD Data on Income Distribution

The latest Gini coefficients for Ireland are .311 in 2011 and .316 in 2010
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : OECD

13/05/2013 Dublin Bus : Funding and Financial Performance

Dublin Bus : Funding and Financial Performance
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Redmond, Paul

13/05/2013 Statement by EC, ECB and IMF on the Tenth Review Mission to Ireland - May, 2013

Statement by EC, ECB and IMF on the Tenth Review Mission to Ireland - May, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

10/05/2013 Implementing EU Directives: How to Avoid Costly Failures

Failure to implement EU Directives correctly and in time leads to significant costs. The most recent illustration of this is the Waterford Crystal pension’s case. We need to put a process in place to ensure that the transposition of Directives is done competently and in time.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Scannell, Yvonne

09/05/2013 Ireland's Current Fiscal Profile

This note sets out the key facts in relation to the current Irish fiscal position as at May 2013.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : O'Neill, Darragh

09/05/2013 Presentation: Hidden Behind The Unemployment Rate

A short presentation on migration, employment and labour market participation delivered by Cormac O’Sullivan at the first annual NERI Labour Market Conference on May 1st 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

08/05/2013 Evidence On The Incentive To Work

This note assesses recent evidence on the incentive to work. It discusses the measures by which economists gauge work incentives and outlines the results of various empirical studies. Despite a relatively generous welfare net and the costs associated with working, most of the evidence suggests that the majority of unemployed people would be better off in a job.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : O’Meara, Graeme

06/05/2013 Economic Forecast for Ireland Spring 2013

Economic Forecast for Ireland Spring 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

02/05/2013 Taxation Trends in the European Union 2013 Edition

This report contains a detailed statistical and economic analysis of the tax systems of the Member States of the European Union, plus Iceland and Norway. The report also contains indicators of the average effective tax rate falling on consumption, labour and capital, as well as data on environmental and property taxation and on the top rates for the personal and corporate income tax. Country chapters give an overview of the tax system in each of the 29 countries covered, the revenue trends and the main recent policy changes. Detailed tables allow comparison between the individual countries and European averages. Data cover the 1995-2011 period and are presented both as a percentage of GDP and as a percentage of total taxation
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Taxation
Authors : European Commission,Eurostat

01/05/2013 Domestic Water Charges In Europe

This note sets out data on the level of domestic water charges in Europe.
Categories : Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Conroy, Niall

01/05/2013 Stability Programme Update - April 2013

Stability Programme Update - April 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

April, 2013

30/04/2013 Domestic Water Charges In Europe

Domestic Water Charges in Europe
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis,Taxation,Water Policy
Authors : Conroy, Niall

24/04/2013 Review of the Irish Pension System Presentation April 2013

Presentation by Mr John Martin, Director for Employment, Labour and Social Affairs, OECD at Launch of OECD Review of the Irish Pension System, 22 April, 2013.
Categories : Other Documents,Pension Reform
Authors : Martin, John

24/04/2013 The Reinhart and Rogoff Debate: Implications for Ireland

How much debt is too much? The answer to such a simple question would obviously be of great use to policy makers who struggle to make decisions under great uncertainty
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

24/04/2013 EU Commission 9th review of Irish Programme April 2013

EU Commission 9th review of Irish Programme April 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

23/04/2013 Review of the Irish Pension System April 2013

Review of the Irish Pension System April 2013
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : OECD

22/04/2013 New Government Finance Statistics issued by CSO

Government Finance Statistics Annual Results 2009-2012 (April 2013) (PDF 141KB) Government Finance Statistics Quarterly Results 2009-2012 (April 2013) (PDF 104KB)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : CSO

22/04/2013 Maastricht Returns

Eurostat publishes Maastricht returns which show that Ireland's General Government Deficit in 20012 was 7.6 % of GDP. The forecast for 2013 is 7.4 % of GDP.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

19/04/2013 IMF Fiscal Monitor & Database April, 2013

IMF Fiscal Monitor & Database April, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

18/04/2013 Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013

Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

16/04/2013 Social Inclusion Monitor

The Social Inclusion Monitor reports progress towards the national social target for poverty reduction. It is primarily based on the findings of the Survey on Income and Living Conditions 2011, undertaken by the Central Statistics Office. The focus of the Monitor is on social and economic outcomes as they relate to poverty and social exclusion
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Department Of Social Protection

16/04/2013 Social Impact Assessment of the Main Welfare and Direct Tax Measures in Budget 2013

This document presents a social impact assessment of the main welfare and direct tax components of Budget 2013. In 2011, all social transfers reduced the at-risk-of-poverty rate from 51 per cent to 16 per cent
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Department Of Social Protection

10/04/2013 Fiscal Assessment Report, April 2013

The report assesses the Department of Finance's official macroeconomic and budgetary projections in the context of Budget 2013 and the forthcoming Stability Programme Update. The report also considers the appropriateness of the fiscal stance over the period to 2015, and looks at Ireland's compliance with the fiscal rules legislated for under the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

04/04/2013 IMF 9th Review of Ireland’s Programme March 2013

IMF 9th Review of Ireland’s Programme March 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

03/04/2013 Finance at Centre Stage: Some Lessons of the Euro Crisis

The author describes how EMU design failures contributed to the European financial crisis, and proposes a redesign of the EMU that includes fiscal and banking unions.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Maurice Obstfeld

03/04/2013 Regional GDP per capita in the EU in 2010

Regional GDP statistics adjusted for purchasing power parity. While Southern and Easter Ireland is among the leading 25 regions, the Border, Midland and Western region is below average. If GNP were used for Ireland instead of GDP, Ireland would fall from 3rd place in the country rankings to 11th.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Eurostat

03/04/2013 Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union

A report by the President of the European Council setting out a vision for reform of the EMU.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Herman Van Rompuy

03/04/2013 What Kind of European Banking Union

The authors discuss the options for a banking union in Europe, highlighting the need for common regulation, a supranational resolution authority, centralised deposit insurance and some form of implicit fiscal backing
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Pisani-Ferry Et Al

March, 2013

28/03/2013 Draft Memorandum of Understanding March 2013

This is the review of the Troika Programme published 28 March, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

27/03/2013 Report on Penal Reform

Report of a sub-committee on penal reform recommending a ‘de-incarceration’ strategy that aims to reduce the prison population by one third over a ten year period
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Defence And Equality

27/03/2013 The Minimum Wage in Ireland

An analysis of the Irish minimum wage. Although our minimum wage is high by European standards, we also have high prices and high median wages.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Deshpande, Patrick

26/03/2013 An Assessment of the Draft Public Service Pay Agreement

The gap between current Government spending and revenue as measured by the General Government Deficit in 2012 was over €13 billion (8.2 % of GDP). We are committed to reducing this deficit under the EU Excessive Deficit Procedure to below 3 % by 2015. The pay and pensions bill accounts for 35 % of Government spending. If public sector pay and pensions were to be fully protected, the burden of adjustment would have to fall on non-pay current spending, capital spending or increases in taxation or some combination of these. While these items will have to bear a share of the necessary adjustment, putting the total burden of adjustment on these items would be either more economically damaging or socially regressive than putting some of the burden on pay and pensions. The proposed reductions in incomes over €65,000 are clearly progressive. However it is difficult to assess the impact of the reductions in overtime, premium pay and other allowances as the incidence of these will vary considerably in individual cases.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

25/03/2013 An Assessment of the Draft Public Service Pay Agreement

This looks at the draft public service pay agreement and concludes that most alternative measures to the proposals are likely to be more socially regressive or economically damaging.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

23/03/2013 IMF Completes Ninth Review Under the Extended Fund Facility with Ireland

IMF Completes Ninth Review Under the Extended Fund Facility with Ireland and Approves €0.97 Billion Disbursement.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

21/03/2013 Euro Area Economic Situation & The Foundations For Growth (slides from the presentation)

Presentation by Mario Draghi, President of the ECB, at the Euro Summit, Brussels,14 March 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Other Documents
Authors : Draghi, Mario

20/03/2013 Ireland and Greece: A Tale of Two Fiscal Adjustments

This short note from the Institute of International Finance compares and contrasts the recent economic fortunes of Ireland and Greece. Ireland’s relative success comes not just from its larger export sector and improved competitiveness, but also a gentler pace of fiscal consolidation and lower multiplier.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Anderson, Jeffrey

20/03/2013 The First Steps in Ireland’s Emerging Climate Strategy Assessed

The Irish government has published the draft heads of a climate bill. Because we won’t know the essence of what is proposed until we see the national and sectoral roadmaps that will follow, it is not possible to draw definitive conclusions as to the sense and effectiveness of what is proposed.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

20/03/2013 We Need A Fair Means Test For Third-level Grants

Attached is an article from the Irish Times of 19 March 2013 proposing that the means test for third level student grants should take account of capital assets.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

14/03/2013 The Local Property Tax

This report looks into the background to property taxation in Ireland and assesses why the introduction of such a tax is necessary at present. This report also describes how the Local Property Tax is calculated, how it is paid and possible benefits or drawbacks that may arise as a result.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : Worth, Jessica

14/03/2013 Acute Hospital Services

Clinical data on in-patient and out-patient services
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Community Health and Welfare Services

Information on Medical Card coverage, other health service schemes and food safety.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Health Expenditure Statistics

Includes break-down of non-capital and capital expenditure on health
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy,Public Expenditure
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Health Service Employment Statistics

A break-down of employment in the health service by role and location.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Life Expectancy and Vital Statistics

Data on life expectancy, births, marriages and deaths, including age-standardised mortality rates
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Health Status and Lifestyle

Contains a range of information on the health status of the Irish population, including self-reported health status and clinical data.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

14/03/2013 Population and Population Projections

Demographic data for Ireland, including projected population and projected dependency ratios.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Of Health, Department

13/03/2013 Survey of the Irish Benefit System March 2013

This paper surveys the benefit system in Ireland. It provides detail on social payments as a percentage of GDP, GNP and overall government expenditure and it compares the benefit system in Ireland to that of the UK.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Redmond, Paul

13/03/2013 Healthy Life Years

At age 50 Irish men and women can expect to live more than 20 more years in good health
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy
Authors : Eurostat

11/03/2013 Analysis of Exchequer Pay and Pensions Bill 2007-2012

Analysis of Exchequer Pay and Pensions Bill 2007-2012
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

07/03/2013 Ireland's Report Card March, 2013

Ireland's Report Card March, 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/03/2013 Cumulative Profiles of Expected Exchequer Expenditure and Revenue 2013

Cumulative Profiles of Expected Exchequer Expenditure and Revenue 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

February, 2013

28/02/2013 Mortgage Arrears

This note contains the latest statistics on mortgage arrears and mortgage restructuring, as well as a brief description of the new bankruptcy regime.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors :

27/02/2013 Labour Relations Commission (LRC) Proposals for Public Service Agreement

The Department of Public Expenditure and Reform on the proposed successor to the Croke Park Agreement
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

26/02/2013 HSE National Service Plan 2013

The National Service Plan 2013 sets out the type and volume of services to be delivered by the Executive in 2013
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy,Public Expenditure
Authors : Of Health, Department

26/02/2013 Future Health

Government’s proposed framework for reform of the health service, published in November 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy,Public Expenditure
Authors : Of Health, Department

26/02/2013 The Money Should Follow The Patient’s Best Health Care

Presentation by Prof. Ruane on the Report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector.
Categories : Health,Health Policy,Presentations/Conference,Public Expenditure
Authors : Ruane, Frances

26/02/2013 Report of the Expert Group on Resource Allocation and Financing in the Health Sector

The 2010 Ruane Report examines the current system for allocating resources in the health system, and suggests substantial changes so that resources can better support health care principles and goals.
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy
Authors : The Expert Group On Resource Allocation

20/02/2013 Report on Child and Family Income Support

Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare March 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Department Of Social Protection

18/02/2013 Implementing EU Directives - An Opportunity to Lead.

There are many areas where the performance of the EU can be improved. Improving the governance of banks and addressing public debt have dominated recent efforts in Ireland and across the Union. Now that the promissory note aspect of our banking crisis has been addressed, there is an opportunity to focus on another area where the performance of the EU and Ireland is inadequate. There has been significant policy failure in the implementation of EU directives in Ireland and other Member States. The European Affairs Committee of the Oireachtas (Parliament) should be given an explicit mandate to monitor and report on our performance. Ireland should use its influence in Europe to put this issue on the EU agenda
Categories : Budget and Troika,Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Convery, Frank

13/02/2013 Survey On Income And Living Conditions 2011 And Revised 2010 Results

The official source of data on household and individual income and living conditions in Ireland. Includes national poverty indicators, such as the at risk of poverty rate, the consistent poverty rate and rates of enforced deprivation
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

13/02/2013 Taxing Fat Is Unlikely To Make Us Thin.

A Fat Tax would be an inefficient and ineffective means of tackling obesity. It would come with a dramatically increased regulatory burden, and would hit the poorest hardest
Categories : Health,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

08/02/2013 Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland Feb 2013

Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland Feb 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

08/02/2013 Water Charges: An Interim Scheme?

Under the EU/IMF Programme, Ireland is committed to start charging for water by the end of 2013. This documents outlines the case for these charges.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

January, 2013

29/01/2013 Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland Autumn 2012 Review

Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland Autumn 2012 Review
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

22/01/2013 New Targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme in Public Sector

New Targeted Voluntary Redundancy Scheme in Public Sector
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

19/01/2013 Property Tax - Why Dubliners Should Pay More.

Some have complained that the residential property tax that will be applied in Ireland from 2013, which will be based on the market value of the property, will be unfair to Dubliners, because property values are higher there than elsewhere in Ireland. The value of the 298 properties sold in Dundrum, County Dublin are compared with the value of the 25 properties sold in Dundrum, County Tipperary, over the 2010-2012 period, using the Residential Property Price Register (RPPR). The median value (and associated full-year property tax in brackets) for Dundrum, County Tipperary are €100,001-150,000 (€225); the equivalent for Dundrum, County Dublin are €350,001-400,000 (€675); the median property owners in County Dublin will pay €450 more in annual property than their counterparts in County Tipperary. But the former have manifold advantages over the latter, including easy access to tax-payer subsidised infrastructure and services in: transport, culture, sports, education, health; and the widest range of life style possibilities, job options and entrepreneurial potential on the island. These benefits are reflected in property prices and therefore in property taxes; this is fair and appropriate. The timeliness and transparency of the property price evidence available on the RPPR is impressive, as is the quality and clarity of the background information and responses to ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ provided by the Revenue Commissioners. One weakness is that the price is not converted into price per M2. This gap should be corrected as a matter of urgency. The data, combined with the Revenue Commissioners’ ability to nudge us towards compliance with a variety of soft and hard measures, make it likely that most of us will comply.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Local Government,Our Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : Convery, Frank

09/01/2013 Barriers To Outsourcing In the Public Sector

The present system of government accounting puts significant barriers in the way of achieving the optimum use of external service delivery.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

December, 2012

20/12/2012 8th IMF Review

Ireland: Eighth Review Under the Extended Arrangement; Staff Report; Staff Supplements; and Press Release on the Executive Board discussion
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

18/12/2012 Press Release: 8th IMF Review

IMF Completes Eighth Review Under the Extended Fund Facility with Ireland and Approves €0.89 billion Disbursement.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

17/12/2012 What We Don't Know About State Funding

Eurostat has published figures showing social protection expenditure in 2010 for the EU27 and five other European countries.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

17/12/2012 The New Property Tax.

The Government has announced the introduction of a residential property tax from 1 July, 2013 in place of the household charge. The new tax follows the Report of the Interdepartmental Group on Property Tax which has been published.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

12/12/2012 Revenue Commissioners Statistical Report 2011

A report on personal incomes based on the tax year 2010. The statistics relate to income assessed for the tax year 2010 based on tax returns processed up to April 2012. PAYE data is based on completed end-of-year returns from employers of which up to 96% were processed in time to be included. The information relating to self-employed taxpayers represents 83% of the expected total tax returns.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Taxation
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

12/12/2012 EU IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland November 2012

EU IMF Programme of Financial Support for Ireland November 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

07/12/2012 Supplementary Pensions and the Income of Ireland's Retirees

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : TILDA

06/12/2012 Design of a Local Property Tax

The report of the inter-departmental group on Property Tax design, chaired by Dr. Don Thornhill
Categories : External Analysis,Local Government,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : Thornhill, Don

06/12/2012 Budget 2013 Expenditure Statement

Speech by Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Howlin, Brendan

05/12/2012 Budget 2013 Economic and Fiscal Outlook

Recent developments, economic forecasts, and their impact on the Irish fiscal position
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/12/2012 Budget 2013 Financial Statement

Budget Day speech by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Noonan, Michael

05/12/2012 Summary of 2013 Budget Measures

Budget 2013 tax changes and their projected impacts
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/12/2012 Eurostat: Number at Risk of Poverty or Social Exclusion

Eurostat New Release: In 2011, 24% of the population were at risk of poverty or social Exclusion
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Eurostat

04/12/2012 Property Tax: What Are The Options?

A quick summary of some of the issues and challenges relating to the design of a Property Tax.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

03/12/2012 Eurostat: Ireland Spent 29.6 % of GDP on Social Protection in 2010(35.6 % of GNP)

Eurostat - Ireland spent 29.6 % of GDP on social protection in 2010(35.6 % of GNP)
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution,Public Expenditure
Authors : Eurostat

03/12/2012 2013 Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure (Pre-Budget)

2013 Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure (Pre-Budget). Department of Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

November, 2012

30/11/2012 Budget 2013 & 'Future Health'

Adjusting for our relatively young population, Ireland has the most expensive health system in Europe. The OECD ranks the productivity of the Irish health system 28th out of 28 and estimates that GDP could be increased by 4.8% if a series of reforms were undertaken. So there is compelling case on economic and health effectiveness grounds for addressing reform. The Government’s “Future Health” document is hugely significant in that, if acted upon, it will affect our well- being and economic and social performance like no other initiative. If we get it wrong, it will cause huge damage. If we get it right, it could be transformative in a positive sense.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Health,Health Policy,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Convery, Frank

28/11/2012 Macro-Financial Review November 2012

Macro-Financial Review November 2012. Central Bank of Ireland
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Bank, Central

28/11/2012 OECD Economic Forecast for Ireland (Summary) November 2012

OECD Economic Forecast for Ireland (Summary) November 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : OECD

23/11/2012 Public Sector Trends 2012

This Report issued by the Institute of Public Administration brings together Irish and international indicators on the size, efficiency and legitimacy of the public sector and institutions of State
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Boyle, Richard

19/11/2012 Employment Earnings Inequality - Seminar Presentation

Employment Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006 -2010. Seminar Presentation
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Declan Jordan

15/11/2012 Employment Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006-2010

Report on Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006 - 2010
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Authors : Declan Jordan

14/11/2012 Medium Term Fiscal Statement November 2012

Department of Finance - Medium Term Fiscal Statement November 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

14/11/2012 Time for Eurozone To Revisit Default Debt Option

Irish Times article by Ashoka Moody.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Moody, Ashoka

14/11/2012 Quarterly Financial Accounts For Ireland: Q2 2012

Quarterly Financial Accounts for Ireland Quarter 2 2012. Central Bank of Ireland.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
Authors : Bank Of Ireland, Central

09/11/2012 Institutional Sector Accounts 2011

This release contains important data on savings and household deb.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

09/11/2012 Earnings And Labour Cost Data 2011

Earnings And Labour Cost Data 2011. Central Statistics Office.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

08/11/2012 The Latest EU Commission Economic Forecast for Ireland

The latest EU Commission Economic Forecast for Ireland - 7 Nov 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

08/11/2012 Possible Reforms of Real Estate Taxation: Criteria for Successful Policies

EU Commission, Occasional paper 119, October 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Local Government,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : European Commission

01/11/2012 Budget 2013 - How Should We Deal with the Deficit in the Social Insurance Fund?

Commentary on the Deficit in the Social Insurance Fund.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

01/11/2012 Self-Defeating Austerity?

1 November 2012 In this paper Holland and Portes present the results of their macro-econometric model of the EU. Specifically they argue that because of the times we live in, large scale and largely uncoordinated fiscal consolidations across the EU will lead to a collective fall in GDP and an increase in debt to GDP ratios. The increase in debt is obviously the opposite of what was intended. The main conclusions are: *While in 'normal times', fiscal consolidation would lead to a fall in debt-to-GDP ratios, in current circumstances fiscal consolidation is indeed likely to be 'self-defeating' for the EU collectively. *The fiscal consolidation plans currently in train will lead to higher - not lower - debt ratios in 2013 in the EU as a whole. *This will also be true in almost all individual EU nations. *Ireland is an exception.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Portes, Jonathan

October, 2012

31/10/2012 Austerity - Measuring The Pain

A review of recent work on measuring the impact of austerity from the ESRI, with implications for how we view the pain it imposes.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

26/10/2012 The Implications Of The UK Coalition Government's Reforms For Members Of The Public Service Pension Schemes

This paper examines the implications of the proposed reforms to the 4 largest UK public service pension schemes. These are The National Health Service, Teachers, Local Government and Civil Service schemes. It concludes that these reforms would reduce the value of pensions by more than one-third. It also compares the value of these schemes with average private sector schemes
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Pensions Policy Institute

26/10/2012 Statement By The EC, ECB, & IMF On The Review Mission To Ireland October, 2012

Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland October, 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

24/10/2012 Pension Charges In Ireland 2012

2012 Report on Pension Charges in Ireland from the Department of Social Protection.
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Department Of Social Protection

23/10/2012 Budget 2013 – Saorview Switchover a Windfall for Government

By now most people will have heard about the switch to Saorview, whereby the analogue signal currently used to broadcast TV will be switched off at 10am on October 24th and replaced with a digital signal. What is less well known are the potential revenue benefits the switchover could have for the government. By freeing up scarce spectrum resources, the switch to Saorview paves the way for an auction of new mobile network licences that could raise €205 million immediately, and double that over the next fifteen years. Read this note to find out more.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

22/10/2012 Putting People First - Local Government Reform Proposals

Putting People First - Local Government Reform Proposals
Categories : Local Government
Authors : Community & Local Government

22/10/2012 Analysis Of Fiscal Incentives For Retirement Savings

This report presents an analysis of fiscal incentives for retirement savings – models and redistributive effects – in Ireland and comparison with other countries who have well established second pillar pension systems. Published in October 2012.
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Research Reports
Authors : Deloitte

19/10/2012 Pension Scheme Facts

Pension Schemes regulated by the Pension Board
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform
Authors : Pensions Board

11/10/2012 Budgetary & Economic Statistics October 2012

Part 1 contains budgetary statistics. The 2011 and 2012 voted expenditure figures are taken from the 2012 Estimates for Public Services, published in February 2012. Part 2 contains economic statistics mainly on the Irish economy with some comparisons with other international economies.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

10/10/2012 Budget 2013 - University Collaboration - A Modest Proposal

Suggestions to merge Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD) have been rejected. But they should emulate the US precedent and provide the facility for students, both undergraduate and graduate, to take courses for credit in each other’s programmes. This should be done across the board, with a minimum of bureaucracy and no fees transfer; the only requirements would be that students meet the necessary pre-requisites to take the course(s) in question, and that there is classroom or other relevant capacity in the receiving institution. It would help make the programmes of both universities more internationally competitive, and will encourage specialisation and scale in research; the whole will be more than the sum of the parts. The TCD-UCD Innovation Alliance and a few Higher Education Authority (HEA) bottom-up collaborative initiatives show promise, but to achieve serious economies of scale and scope, access should be universal. What is good enough for Harvard and MIT should be good enough for UCD and TCD.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Convery, Frank

09/10/2012 Commission On Taxation - Property Tax

2009 Commission on Taxation Report.
Categories : External Analysis,Local Government,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : Commission On Taxation

06/10/2012 The ICE Report (1975)

The summary of a report into the form and function of the Inter Cert exam, now the Junior Cert. Released in 1975, but relevant for the current policy debate.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform,Research Reports
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

01/10/2012 Expenditure and Outputs in the Irish Health System: A Cross Country Comparison

An analysis of the expenditure and outputs in the Irish health system and a comparison with other OECD countries. Ireland has the third highest expenditure in the OECD, and the report looks at whether the high level of spending corresponds to similarly high levels of output.
Categories : Health,Health Policy,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Redmond, Paul

September, 2012

24/09/2012 IMF Staff Report On Ireland

The IMF Staff report on Ireland - September 10, 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Research Reports
Authors : IMF

22/09/2012 Budget 2013 - Three Cheers For The Carbon Tax

Ireland is a pioneer in the implementation of a carbon tax. This has allowed us to avoid (more) increases in income tax which would have further reduced disposable income, increased labour costs and destroyed jobs. It is also facilitating us in meeting our very demanding legally binding obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provides support for the creation of new jobs in improving energy efficiency and growing the low carbon economy. We will continue to benefit economically and environmentally if we keep it in place, and increase the rate per tonne of CO2 from €20 to €25, as envisaged in the programme for government.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Chairmans Blog,Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

20/09/2012 2010 Actuarial Review of The Social Insurance Fund

2010 Actuarial Review of the Social Insurance Fund - KPMG June 2010
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : KPMG

17/09/2012 Presentation by Maureen Lynott, Chair of the Top Level Appointments Committee to Publicpolicy.ie on 11 September, 2012

Presentation by Maureen Lynott, Chair of the Top Level Appointments Committee to Publicpolicy.ie on 11 September, 2012
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Lynott, Maureen

14/09/2012 Budget 2013 - Progressivity of Irish Income Tax System

Key Point Based on the standard OECD measure Ireland has the most progressive income tax system (including social insurance contributions) in the EU.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Taxation
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal,Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

13/09/2012 Fiscal Assessment Report (September 2012)

This Report assesses the macroeconomic and budgetary projections set out by the Government in the Stability Programme Update 2012, and in advance of Budget 2013 and the appropriateness of the fiscal stance over the period to 2015. The report also considers the longer-term implications of compliance with the fiscal rules in the Fiscal Responsibility Bill.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Irish Financial Advisory Council,Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

11/09/2012 Fiscal Assessment Report (Apr 2012)

This Fiscal Assessment Report assesses the macroeconomic and budgetary projections set out by Government in Budget 2012, including the appropriateness of the overall fiscal stance over the period to 2015.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

06/09/2012 Progress Report on Implementation of Government's Public Service Reform Plan. September 2012

"Progress Report on Implementation of Government's Public Service Reform Plan". September 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

06/09/2012 Sixth Quarterly Review Of The Memorandum Of Understanding Covering The Period To December 2011

This is the Sixth Quarterly Review of the Memorandum of Understanding covering the period to December 2011. Date: 20 August, 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/09/2012 Refinancing The Irish Bailout - The Options Post The June 2012 Summit

This paper consider Ireland's budgetary situation arising out of the banking crisis and the possible means of reducing Ireland's debt burden. Issues dealt with include the composition of Ireland's bank debt, the significance of the June 2012 Euro Area Summit statement for Ireland and the possibility of a deal on the promissory notes
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : McArdle, Pat

03/09/2012 Budget 2013 - Insights From Daniel Kahneman

We weigh losses far more heavily than equivalent gains, and we infer the general from the particular, rather than induce the particular from the general. These and many other features of our behaviour are elegantly documented in Thinking, Fast and Slow, authored by Nobel Prize winning Daniel Kahneman. In addition to loss aversion, he identifies the halo effect, anchoring, luck, the planning fallacy, optimism bias, the endowment effect and many other features characterising how we behave. They have considerable value as explanations as to how we got into such economic disarray, and provide some pointers as to how to frame the process of making progress. In this commentary, I summarise a few of the key insights, and their relevance to our situation in Ireland.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

August, 2012

27/08/2012 Review of the Troika Programme of 20 August 2012

This is a review of the Troika Programme of the 20 August 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Department Of Finance

24/08/2012 Response Burden Barometer 2011

This report measures the burden of red tape CSO reporting requirements place on businesses. It is estimated that the burden fell by 28% between 2012 and 2011.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Sector Reform
Authors : CSO

22/08/2012 Report on the Measurement of the Regulatory Burden Imposed on Business by Revenue

Report on the Measurement of the Regulatory Burden Imposed on Business by Revenue
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

22/08/2012 Public Sector Reform -The Balance Sheet? A Paper by Robert Watt

The attached speech on Public Sector Reform was delivered by Robert Watt Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at the MacGill Summer School on 25 July, 2012
Categories : Presentations/Conference,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform,Watt, Robert

21/08/2012 Public Sector Reform - Address by Paul Haran at the MacGill Summer School 2012

The attached speech on Public Sector Reform was delivered by Paul Haran former Secretary General of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment at the MacGill Summer School on 25 July, 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Haran, Paul

21/08/2012 Public Sector Reform - The Balance Sheet

The attached speech on Public Sector Reform was delivered by Robert Watt Secretary General of the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform at the MacGill Summer School on 25 July, 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform,Watt, Robert

21/08/2012 Report on Use of Tax Reliefs by High Income Taxpayers 2010

Report on the Use of Tax Reliefs by High Income Taxpayers 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution,Taxation
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

20/08/2012 Budget 2013 - The Case For Periodic Instead of Lump Sum Payments for Damages Arising Out of Alleged Medical Negligence

Key Point We should move right away from lump sum to periodic payments in the case of medical negligence cases in Ireland. And this should happen before Budget 2013 is presented to the Oireachtas (Parliament) in December 2012. An excellent report explaining why this should happen, and how it should be done, was presented to the then Minister for Justice almost 2 years ago. Inaction will have many costs, not least that the Minister for Finance will have to find up to about €50 million right away that he (and we) can all ill afford
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Health,Health Policy,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

16/08/2012 Over €100 Million Received From 990,459 Households

Payment of Household Charges
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Local Government,Property Tax
Authors : LGMA

13/08/2012 Survey Of Income And Living Conditions - Thematic Report On The Elderly

Special report on the income and living conditions of the elderly in 2004, 2009 & 2010.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

07/08/2012 Do The Benefits Of The London Olympics Justify The Cost of £9.3 Billion

The Benefits and Costs of the London Olympics
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure
Authors : Convery, Frank

July, 2012

29/07/2012 Ireland's Return To The Bond Markets

Ireland returned to the bond markets after an absence of two years. Here, we analyse the results.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

24/07/2012 Aurora Colorado and The Importance of Social Capital

Social capital is that set of reflexes we absorb from our culture, religion, families and our ancestors. It shapes how we react to crisis and opportunity
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

23/07/2012 Ireland’s Digital Dividend: How Much is it Worth?

The 2012 mobile licence auction will yield revenue for the state. This note explains what is happening and attempts to ascertain how much it is worth.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Working Papers
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

23/07/2012 2012 Article IV Consultation With Ireland--Concluding Statement Of The IMF Mission July 18, 2012

This document describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the conclusion of their mission to Ireland under Article IV of the IMF's Articles of Agreement.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : IMF

19/07/2012 Income And Expenditure Of Irish Households In 2009/10

By the Central Statistics Office
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

10/07/2012 Airline Competition In Ireland - Back to Monopoly?

For any country, easy and efficient access to others is an important contributor to its economy and quality of life. It is particularly so when the country is an island with no land or rail links to major trading partners or potential tourists. In Ireland, this was recognised by earlier governments, who established and supported the establishment of State airline and shipping companies to ensure that such access was available. But these became State protected monopolies, with high costs and at times indifferent services. Some of us recall being frequent users of the Dublin to Brussels service offered by Aer Lingus in the 1970s and 80s, where flight availability was limited, and costs for a restricted economy ticket often fell in the range of €600-800 or even more.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

05/07/2012 The Irish Economy in Perspective June 2012

This policy brief, prepared by the Department of Finance, contains information on past and projected future developments in the Irish economy.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

05/07/2012 Exchequer Position For The First Half of 2012

Department of Finance presentation of the Exchequer Position for the first half of 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

03/07/2012 The Pros & Cons Of Various Schemes Of Charging For Water

This paper provides some evidence on the pros & cons of various schemes of charging for water
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Bernard, Barraqué

June, 2012

26/06/2012 Ireland: Regaining Creditworthiness

Investor Presentation from the NTMA
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : NTMA

26/06/2012 Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland Spring 2012 Review

The European Commission comment on the Irish bailout
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : European Commission

25/06/2012 Water for Poor People - The Case for Affordable Water

Henri Smets sets the international context for water pricing: “In all countries, it is now accepted that water users should pay to a very large extent for the water they use, and the amount of payment be proportionate to water consumption. The Irish model of free water for domestic users was hardly known to the rest of Europe, and did not inspire the policy of any country in Western Europe.”
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Convery, Frank

25/06/2012 2011 Annual Report of the Pensions Board

2011 Annual Report of the Pensions Board
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
Authors : Pensions Board

20/06/2012 Water for Poor People - Lessons from France & Belgium

Paper delivered by Dr Henri Smets at the Seminar on the 19th June.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Smets, Henri

19/06/2012 Sixth Troika Review Places More Emphasis On Growth

The latest Troika review contains proposals for a Growth Fund, but spending it wisely will mean making difficult choices.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Financial Crisis,Our Analysis
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

18/06/2012 6th IMF Review

The 6th IMF staff report of the Irish bailout.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Policy Briefs
Authors : IMF

14/06/2012 Review of the Troika Programme (30 May 2012)

This is the review of the Troika Programme dated 30 May 2012.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

13/06/2012 Second Progress Report Of The Implementation Body Public Service Agreement 2010-2014

The report sets out progress for the year ended March 2012.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform,Research Reports
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform,Implementation Body Croke Park Agreement

11/06/2012 Bogs – When They’re Gone, They’re Gone

Since we first colonized this island about 10,000 years ago, we have engaged in two huge clearances of nature. The first was the elimination of the native woodlands; we cleared our natural endowment to such an extent that only a few solitary and meager residues remain. This loss only becomes apparent when one visits countries like the US and parts of Europe, where, by a combination of wisdom, courage and good fortune, they have conserved for their posterity great swathes of what nature created for them in their National Parks and Wilderness areas.
Categories : Other Documents
Authors : Convery, Frank

May, 2012

31/05/2012 International Comparisons of Taxation and Public Spending and GNP/GDP

This note explains why it is appropriate in comparing levels of public expenditure in Ireland with other countries to use the proportion of GNP in Ireland’s case.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation,Working Papers
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

25/05/2012 Dragon O'Sullivan Identifies Ireland's Critical Contraint

Living is about dealing with constraints – physical, economic, social, emotional, psychological and environmental. And a successful life is about knowing which constraints are critical, which are the ones we can do something about, and acting accordingly.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Convery, Frank

23/05/2012 The Irish Benefit System 2012 - Inputs & Outcomes

Overview of the Irish benefit system and international evidence regarding the efficiency of the benefit system in terms of how well it reduces income inequality.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Supply-Side Reform,Working Papers
Authors : O'Sullivan, Cormac

15/05/2012 Survey of the Benefit System in Ireland 2012

This paper surveys the benefit system in Ireland. It provides detail on social payments as a percentage of GDP, GNP and overall government expenditure and it compares the benefit system in Ireland to that of the UK.
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Supply-Side Reform
Authors : Redmond, Paul

04/05/2012 The Present System Of Government Accounting Is No Longer Fit For Purpose

“We have the most crude accounting tools. It's tragic because our accounts and our national arithmetic doesn't tell us the things that we need to know.” Susan George, American Activist.
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Sector Reform,Working Papers
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

April, 2012

30/04/2012 Making Sure Economists Do More Good Than Harm.

Economics is the science of choice. The job of economists is to take away the punch bowl just when the party gets going. It's perhaps the only field where, the more they get it wrong, the more their services are in demand – perverse incentives on a grand scale.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

30/04/2012 Why Are Irish House Prices Still Falling?

This paper examines the continued fall in Irish house prices. The analysis suggests that house prices may have over corrected since 2010. Possible reasons for this decline are discussed.
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Property Tax,Working Papers
Authors : Kennedy, Gerard,McQuinn, Kieran

27/04/2012 Ireland's Stability Programme Update

This is Ireland's Stability Programme Update (SPU) which has been submitted to the EU Commission and which incorporates the Department of Finance spring forecasts for 2012.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Finance

27/04/2012 OECD Taxing Wages 2011

This report finds that Ireland is among the OECD countries that levy a relatively low tax burden on labour income, particularly for single parents with low earnings. In 2000, the average tax wedge (income taxes plus employee and employer social security contributions minus cash transfers as a percentage of total labour costs) was below the OECD average for all family types in the Taxing Wages Report. Between 2000 and 2011, the difference compared with the OECD average widened as Ireland reduced the tax wedge considerably except for the single taxpayers with low and high earnings. Over this period, the tax wedge declined by more than 23 percentage points for single parents with low earnings; they received more in government transfers than the taxes they paid. Their tax wedge was the lowest among the OECD countries in 2011. Note: the Tax Wedge is the sum of personal income tax and employee plus employer social security contributions together with any payroll tax less cash transfers, expressed as a percentage of labour costs
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Income Distribution,Research Reports,Taxation
Authors : OECD

25/04/2012 Getting Water Metering Right

Some years ago, I spent an afternoon in the control room of the Singapore Electronic Road Pricing system with Eddie Lim Sing Loong, Engineer, Electronic Road Pricing. He explained that their system works as follows: you are charged for using the road, and this charge varies depending on the road and the time of day, with the price level designed to give you a smooth and fast journey. This approach has many advantages: before you set out, you know how long your journey will take, and that traffic will flow smoothly –time and energy are saved, stress and pollution are reduced, and much of the revenue generated is recycled to finance public transport; Singapore has a state of the art mass transit system.
Categories : Our Analysis,Water Policy
Authors : Convery, Frank

25/04/2012 Maastricht Returns Information Note

This note by the Department of Finance explains the out turn of 2011 general Government deficit and debt and gives forecasts for 2012.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

25/04/2012 Survey of Irish Taxation

An overview of taxation in Ireland.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : Hynes, Terence

20/04/2012 Evaluation of EU VAT System

A retrospective evaluation of elements of the EU VAT System.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Research Reports,Taxation
Authors : European Commission

19/04/2012 Fiscal Devaluation

During the boom years, the competitiveness of the Irish economy deteriorated. Recovery depends on the restoration of our competitive position. When an economy becomes uncompetitive, a standard way of addressing the problem is to devalue the currency. Ireland did this in 1986 and 1993. But as members of a currency union this option is no longer available.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,Our Analysis
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

13/04/2012 Time Series of Key Economic Indicators

Tax ratios as a percentage of GDP.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : Curtis, Darren

05/04/2012 Impact Of Financial Turmoil On Households: A Cross Country Comparison

This paper compares the impact of the financial crisis on Irish households, with 23 other European countries. It finds that Irish households have lost a significant proportion of net worth compared with other countries, due to the substantial decline in house prices. Irish households have greatly increased their savings to reduce high debt levels and have decreased their personal debt levels more than any other country since 2008.
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Income Distribution,Research Reports
Authors : Cussen, Mary,O'Leary, Bridin,Smith, Donal

March, 2012

22/03/2012 Public Service Pay & Numbers (2012)

Data on public service numbers, pay and pensions.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

15/03/2012 Submission To Inter-Departmental Group On Property Tax

Publicpolicy.ie's submitted proposal on how property tax might be assessed, administered, and paid.
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis,Property Tax
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal,Moriarty, Sean

15/03/2012 Submission to Department of Environment on Water Policy

Publicpolicy.ie made a submission to the Department of the Environment on water policy. It makes seven recommendations, including support for metering.
Categories : Our Analysis,Policy Briefs,Water Policy
Authors : Convery, Frank,Scannell, Yvonne

12/03/2012 Household Indebtedness: Context, Consequence & Correction

Speech by The Governor of the Central Bank, Professor Patrick Honohan to the Limerick Law Society in the University of Limerick.
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Income Distribution,Presentations/Conference
Authors : Governor Of The Central Bank,Honohan, Patrick

11/03/2012 Meeting The Water Reform Challenge

This report provides Governments with practical advice and policy tools to pursue urgent reform in their water sectors. It examines three fundamental areas that need to be addressed: financing of the water sector; governance and institutional arrangements; and coherence between water policies and policies in place in other sectors of the economy.
Categories : External Analysis,Research Reports,Water Policy
Authors : OECD

08/03/2012 Fracking and Local Credibility in Ireland

When elected members of local authorities are faced with the possibility of a transformative development in their areas, they have two choices. They can initiate a process of becoming seriously informed of the technical, economic, social and environmental implications, engage on the basis of such information with key stakeholders and the general public, and then arrive at conclusions as to what the best way forward for their area is or they can grandstand with a rush to judgement.
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Environment & Sustainability,Local Government,Our Analysis
Authors : Convery, Frank

01/03/2012 Invest In Cavan

We face serious challenges. Understanding the facts, and how the public interest is or is not served by the choices we face, is the critical first step towards protecting our economy, environment and social cohesion. And if you are looking for a place to invest, put Cavan on your short list.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Convery, Frank

February, 2012

28/02/2012 Budget 2012

Presentation to the IPA by Mr Derek Moran, Assistant Secretary, Tax Policy Unit, Department of Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Presentations/Conference,Public Expenditure,Taxation
Authors : Moran, Derek

28/02/2012 Distributional Effects of Austerity Measures: A Comparison of Six EU Countries

Study into the effects of increases in personal taxes, cuts in spending and reductions in public sector pay up to mid-2011 in Estonia, Ireland, Greece, Spain, Portugal and the UK. Key finding is that the burden of fiscal consolidation is shared differently. The scale of the adjustment in Ireland is relatively very large - at two and a half times the average adjustment in the other 5 countries and is also relatively progressive.
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Income Distribution,Working Papers
Authors : Social Situation Observatory EU Commission

28/02/2012 Implementation Body Website

This is the website of the Implementation Body established in July 2010 to oversee and verify progress in implementing the provisions of the Public Service Agreement, also known as the Croke Park Agreement.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform,Research Reports
Authors : Implementation Body Croke Park Agreement

28/02/2012 Progress Report on Implementation & Third Report of the Organisational Review Programme

The purpose of the Organisational Review Programme (ORP) is to help organisations ensure that they are fit for purpose in terms of the challenges they face. This is the first report and makes recommendations in relation to a number of Departments. Published in Feb 2012.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
Authors : Department Of Public Expenditure And Reform

28/02/2012 Revenue Commissioners Statistical Report 2010

A report on personal incomes based on the tax year 2009. The statistics relate to income assessed for the tax year 2009 based on tax returns processed up to May 2011. PAYE data is based on completed end-of-year returns from employers of which up to 96% were processed in time to be included. The information relating to self-employed taxpayers represents 84% of the expected total tax returns.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution,Taxation
Authors : Revenue Commissioners

10/02/2012 EU/IMF Memorandum of Understanding February, 2012

This is the Fourth Quarterly Review of the Memorandum of Understanding covering the period to December 2011) Created by Department of Finance. (10 February 2012)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
Authors : Department Of Finance

08/02/2012 Fiscal Adjustment - Too Much of a Good Thing?

Almost everyone agrees that the fiscal accounts of several advanced economies are in a pretty bad shape and need to be strengthened. But how rapid should the adjustment be? At times over the last couple of years, the IMF called on countries to step up the pace of adjustment when we thought they were moving too slowly. This column says that in the current environment, some might be going too fast.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Authors : Cottarelli, Carlo,Director Of The Fiscal Affairs Department,IMF

02/02/2012 Gini Co-Efficients OECD

The Gini Coefficient is a measure of income inequality based on data relating to households’ disposable income. A Gini Coefficient of zero indicates perfect income equality, whereas a coefficient of one indicates perfect inequality. Ireland’s Gini Coefficient (2008) was 0.293, which is below (more equal) the OECD average of 0.316. Preliminary figures for 2010 indicate a Gini coefficient of 0.34.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Income Distribution
Authors : Redmond, Paul

01/02/2012 2012 Exchequer Tax Revenue & Debt Service Expenditure; Monthly Profiles

Details of expected tax revenue profile consistent with Budget 2012 forecast of €35,825 million. The Budget 2012 forecast for Exchequer debt servicing in 2012 is €7,407 million. Created by Department of Finance, February, 2012.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

01/02/2012 New EU Surveillance Process Report

This report (Feb12) marks the first step in implementing the new surveillance procedure for the prevention and correction of macroeconomic imbalances in the EU. Countries that are already under increased economic surveillance (Greece, Ireland, Portugal & Romania) are not examined. Further in-depth analysis is recommended for Belgium, Bulgaria, Denmark, Spain, France, Italy, Cyprus, Hungary, Slovenia, Finland, Sweden and the UK.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : European Commission

01/02/2012 Strengthening Ireland's Fiscal Institutions

This report assesses elements of the fiscal framework proposed in the Department of Finance’s March 2011 discussion document "Reforming Ireland’s Budgetary Framework" and contains recommendations for the design of a set of fiscal rules and a permanent independent fiscal council.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : Irish Fiscal Advisory Council

01/02/2012 Tax Revenue Profile For 2012

Details of expected tax revenue profile of individual taxes consistent with Budget 2012 forecast of €35,825 million. Created by Department of Finance, February, 2012.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Authors : Department Of Finance

January, 2012

01/01/2012 Irish Water: Phase 1 Report

Report recommends a public utility model for the provision of water services in Ireland. The new utility would have full responsibility for the water cycle from abstraction to waste water treatment and sludge disposal.
Categories : External Analysis,Research Reports,Water Policy
Authors : PricewaterhouseCoopers

December, 2011

01/12/2011 Who Saves For Retirement?

Research (published in Dec 2011) into participation of saving for retirement among employees in Britain finds that most saving is done through occupational schemes rather than personal pensions, and that patterns of occupational participation is driven by differences in eligibility.
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform,Working Papers
Authors : Institute Of Economic & Social Research

01/12/2011 The Public Sector Pay Gap

Investigation of the public-private wage differentials in ten euro area countries (Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain). Notable differences emerge across countries, with Greece, Ireland, Italy, Portugal and Spain exhibiting higher public sector premia than other countries. Published in Dec 2011.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform,Research Reports
Authors : European Central Bank

01/12/2011 Well-Being & Economic Conditions in Ireland

During the period 1975-2011, there was no increase in self-reported life satisfaction despite the secular improvement in living standards in Ireland. This paper explores how macroeconomic conditions have affected unemployment, inflation, real income as well as well-being and mental health. The overall effect of higher unemployment in this current recession is weaker then previous years. And it is having a much smaller impact on the birth rate than the recession of the early 1980’s.
Categories : External Analysis,Health,Health Policy,Working Papers
Authors :

October, 2011

01/10/2011 Fixing Our Broken Pensions - A Transforming Approach To Pensions Reform

This paper proposes the establishment of a statutory National Savings Fund (NSF) for supplementary pension provision. This would apply to all workers and wouldn’t differentiate between different types of economic status such as self-employed, farmers, private or public sector employees. The proposal is designed to deal with the problems in the existing system. These include the fact that pension coverage in the working population is too low with too many people likely to be dependent, either totally or in part, on the State Pension. Costs in the pension industry are too high. There is an unacceptable lack of transparency. Other problems include the reality that the funding of many pension schemes is inadequate and large public sector liabilities are unfunded. The different pension arrangements applying to people working in the public and private sectors are a source of social tension. In addition the current arrangements in respect of tax relief are in need of reform.
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform,Policy Briefs
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal,Thornhill, Don

April, 2011

01/04/2011 Informing Pension Reform

A module on the topic of pension coverage among workers aged 20-69 was included in the Quarterly National Household Survey in Q4 2009. This is a summary of the main findings. Pension coverage for workers aged 20-69 was 54% in the first quarter of 2008. The rate for female workers was 50% and the rate for males was 56%. Irish nationals have a significantly higher rate of pension cover than Non-Irish nationals. The highest rate of pension cover is concentrated in the public administration and defence sector where more that nine in every ten workers have a pension. The hotels and restaurants sector continued to have the lowest rate of cover as less than one in four workers had a pension.
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform
Authors : Central Statistics Office (CSO)

January, 2011

01/01/2011 OECD on Ireland (2011)

Economic survey on Ireland by the OECD.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Research Reports
Authors : OECD

December, 2010

01/12/2010 National Pensions Framework

The aim of the National Pensions Framework is to deliver security, equity, choice and clarity for the individual. It also aims to increase pension coverage, particularly among low to middle income groups and to ensure that State support for pensions is equitable and sustainable. This document was published in Dec 2010.
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform,Policy Briefs
Authors : Department Of Social & Family Affairs

01/12/2010 Strengthening The Capacity Of The Department Of Finance: Report Of The Independent Review Panel

A review of the Department of Finance’s policy advice and performance over the past 10 years with recommendations on how best the Department might adapt to meet the challenges of the future. Published in Dec 2010.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform,Research Reports
Authors : Independent Review Panel

November, 2010

03/11/2010 Tax Policy Reform & Economic Growth

The analysis suggests a tax and economic growth ranking order according to which corporate taxes are the most harmful type of tax for economic growth, followed by personal income taxes and then consumption taxes, with recurrent taxes on immovable property being the least harmful tax.
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation
Authors : OECD

September, 2010

28/09/2010 Tax Strategy Group Paper

Paper prepared for Tax Strategy Group on the taxation of property (2009).
Categories : External Analysis,Property Tax,Taxation,Working Papers
Authors : Department Of Finance

January, 2010

16/01/2010 Ireland's Tax Expenditure System: International Comparisons & A Reform Agenda

Tax expenditures, also known as tax incentives or tax breaks, represent an infrequently explored and little understood area of Irish public policy. Despite this, they account for more than billion per annum in exchequer revenue forgone (2006 figures). This paper examines the tax expenditure regime in Ireland and highlights the role that tax expenditures should play in the budgetary adjustment planned for late 2010 and in other years. It looks at the nature and scale of Ireland’s tax expenditure system in national and international contexts and considers their impact, advantages, limitations and consequences. Concludes with suggested reforms.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Taxation,Working Papers
Authors : Collins, Micheál,Walsh, Mary

May, 2005

03/05/2005 Running The Public Sector Better

This 2005 paper reviews the progress in public sector reform and proposes further some changes that are necessary. It highlights the need to modernise the financial accounting systems in the public sector.
Categories : Our Analysis,Presentations/Conference,Public Sector Reform
Authors : De Buitléir, Donal

January, 1986

01/01/1986 Design For Democracy

Many argue that change in our electoral system is necessary to improve the effectiveness of Government. This article (published in 1986) argues that more fundamental change is necessary and proposes the introduction of a separation of powers model.
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform,Working Papers
Authors : Roden Et Al

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