How Can We Charge For Excessive Use Of Water?
6 Mar 2017The proposal to charge for excessive use of water under the Water Services Act, 2007 is not credible.
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
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
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
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
07/03/2018
Fiscal Monitor - February 2018
Fiscal Monitor - February 2018
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
05/02/2018
Fiscal Monitor January 2018
Department of Finance Fiscal Monitor January 2018
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
04/01/2018
Fiscal Monitor - December 2017
Department of Finance - Fiscal Monitor December 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
December, 2017
20/12/2017 Budget Statistics December 2017
Budget Statistics December 2017. Department of Finance
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
28/11/2017
How's Life In Ireland November, 2017
How's Life In Ireland November, 2017. OECD.
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
23/11/2017
Report Of 2018 Irish Budget
Report of 2018 Irish Budget EU Commission
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
23/11/2017
Severe Material Deprivation
One in thirteen Irish people are severely materially deprived.
Categories : Critical Analysis,Debt & Deficits,Income Distribution,Our Analysis
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
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
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
09/11/2017
Ireland's Economy & Finances, October 2017
Department of Finance. Ireland's Economy & Finances, October 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
18/10/2017
Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2017
Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2017. Departmemt of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
11/10/2017 Government Finance Statistics Q2 2017
Government Finance Statistics Q2 2017. CSO.
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
06/10/2017 Government Finance Statistics 2016
Government Finance Statistics 2016 - CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
04/10/2017
Fiscal Monitor – September 2017
Department of Finance - Fiscal Monitor September 2017
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
05/09/2017
Fiscal Monitor - August 2017
Fiscal Monitor - August 2017
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Public Expenditure,Taxation
August, 2017
30/08/2017
National Risk Assessment 2017
National Risk Assessment 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
03/08/2017
Fiscal Monitor – July 2017
Fiscal Monitor - July 2017 Incorporating the Exchequer Statement
Department of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
July, 2017
27/07/2017
Climate Change Advisory Council - Periodic Review Report 2017
Climate Change Advisory Council - Periodic Review Report 2017
Categories : External Analysis
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
05/07/2017
Fiscal Monitor June 2017
Department of Finance Fiscal Monitor June 2017
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
07/06/2017
Taxing Wages 2017 Ireland
Taxing Wages 2017 Ireland
OECD
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Taxation
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
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
22/05/2017
Country Specific Recommendation Ireland May 2017
Country Specific Recommendation Ireland May 2017
EU Commission
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
09/05/2017
Report of the Public Service Pay Commission (May, 2017)
Report of the Public Service Pay Commission
Categories : External Analysis,Public Expenditure
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
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
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
11/04/2017 Government Finance Statistics 2016
Central Statistics Office
Government Finance Statistics 2016
Categories : Critical Analysis,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
February, 2017
03/02/2017
Fiscal Monitor January 2017
Fiscal Monitor January 2017. Department of Finance.
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
23/11/2016 Environmental Indicators Ireland 2016
Environmental Indicators Ireland 2016 CSO
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
08/11/2016
Climate Change Advisory Council, First Report, November 2016
Climate Change Advisory Council, First Report, November 2016
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis
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
October, 2016
19/10/2016 Government Finance Statistics Q2 2016
CSO Government Finance Statistics Q2 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
08/09/2016
IFAC Pre-Budget 2017 Statement
Pre-Budget 2017 Statement
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Public Expenditure,Taxation
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
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
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
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
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
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
14/07/2016 Government Finance Statistics Q1 2016
CSO Government Finance Statistics Quarter 1 2016
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
19/05/2016
EU Commission Recommendations for Ireland 2016
Country Specific Recommendations for Ireland 2016
Categories : External Analysis,Financial Crisis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
April, 2016
20/04/2016 Government Finance Statistics Quarter 4 2015
Government Finance Statistics Quarter 4 2015
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
18/04/2016
Taxing Wages 2015
OECD's Taxing Wages 2015
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Policy Briefs,Taxation
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
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
January, 2016
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
18/11/2015
EU Commission Opinion on Budget 2016
EU Commission Opinion on Budget 2016
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
October, 2015
14/10/2015 Annual Government Finance Statistics October 2015 CSO
Annual Government Finance Statistics October 2015 CSO
Categories : Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
29/07/2015 Eurostat: Sector Classification of Irish Water
Eurostat: Sector Classification of Irish Water
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Water Policy
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
05/06/2015 OECD Economic Outlook (June, 2015)
OECD Economic Outlook (June, 2015)
Categories : Debt & Deficits,Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
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
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
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
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
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
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
13/05/2015
Alcohol Consumption in Ireland. May 2015 OECD
Tackling Harmful Alcohol Use
Country note - Ireland
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
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
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
20/04/2015
Government Finance Statistics April 2015
Government Finance Statistics April 2015 CSO
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Policy Briefs
16/04/2015
Fiscal Monitor - April 2015
Fiscal Policies for Sustainable Growth. IMF. April 2015.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
March, 2015
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
09/03/2015
Defined Benefit Pension Schemes Statistics 2014
Defined benefit schemes - Review of 2014 statistics
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
25/11/2014
Fiscal Assessment Report November 2014
Fiscal Assessment Report
November 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
05/11/2014
Economic Forecasts for Ireland Autumn 2014
Economic Forecasts for Ireland Autumn 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
22/09/2014
Pre-Budget 2015 Statement
September 2014
Irish Fiscal Advisory Council
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
30/07/2014
Government Finance Statistics 2014 Quarter 1
CSO - Government Finance Statistics 2014 Q1
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
30/07/2014
The Distribution of Income and the Public Finances
The Distribution of Income and the Public Finances
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
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
17/07/2014
Review of NAMA
Review of the progress of the National Asset Management Agency
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
15/05/2014
Construction 2020
The government’s strategy for accelerating growth in the construction sector
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
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
23/04/2014
Raising Resources For UHI
Background Policy Paper on Raising Resources for Universal Health Insurance
Categories : External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health
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
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
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
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
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
14/04/2014
Government Finance Statistics 2013
Central Statistics Office 2009 - 2013 (April 2014 Results)
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
08/04/2014
Monthly Economic Bulletin April 2014
Department of Finance's Monthly Economic Bulletin
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
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
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
March, 2014
13/03/2014
Ireland's Report Card March 2014
Ireland's Report Card March 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
07/03/2014
Macroeconomic Imbalances Ireland 2014
European Economy - Macroeconomic Imbalances Ireland 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Fiscal Fact Sheets
05/03/2014
Tax Revenue Profile 2014
Monthly profile of expected exchequer tax revenue receipts in 2014
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
29/01/2014
EU Fiscal Governance: The New Rules
EU Fiscal Governance: The New Rules.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Presentations/Conference
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
23/01/2014
Policy Perspectives: Staff Publications 2013
Policy Perspectives:
Staff Publications 2013
Department of Finance
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
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
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
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
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
01/01/2014
Budget & Economic Statistics 2013
Department of Finance Budget & Economic Statistics 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
13/12/2013
EUROPEAN ECONOMY Occasional Papers 167 | December 2013
Economic Adjustment Programme for Ireland Autumn 2013 Review
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
13/12/2013
Ireland Report Card December 2013
Ireland Report Card December 2013 from the Department of Finance.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
09/12/2013
Monthly Economic Bulletin December 2013
December 2013 Monthly Economic Bulletin
Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
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
November, 2013
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
October, 2013
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
21/10/2013
Government Finance Statistics October 2013
Government Finance Statistics October 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
21/10/2013
Analysis of High Income Individuals' Restriction 2011
Report of the Office of the Revenue Commissioners.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
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
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
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
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
14/10/2013
Government Finance Statistics
Annual statistics relating to government finances and net worth, 2009 -2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets
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
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
12/10/2013
Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure for 2014
Estimates of Receipts and Expenditure for 2014
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
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
08/10/2013
Ireland : Eleventh Review Under the Extended Arrangement
Ireland : Eleventh Review Under the Extended Arrangement
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
06/10/2013
Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2013
Department of Finance's Monthly Economic Bulletin October 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
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
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
24/09/2013
Dail Electoral System
Convention on the Constitution: Fourth Report
Categories : External Analysis,Public Sector Reform
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
04/07/2013
Independence Day – Insights From The US
A few reflections on American culture to celebrate Independence Day
Categories : Chairmans Blog,Our Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
13/05/2013
Dublin Bus : Funding and Financial Performance
Dublin Bus : Funding and Financial Performance
Categories : Our Analysis,Public Expenditure,Public Sector Reform
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
01/05/2013
Stability Programme Update - April 2013
Stability Programme Update - April 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
April, 2013
30/04/2013
Domestic Water Charges In Europe
Domestic Water Charges in Europe
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,Our Analysis,Taxation,Water Policy
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
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
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
23/04/2013
Review of the Irish Pension System April 2013
Review of the Irish Pension System April 2013
Categories : External Analysis,Pension Reform
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
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
18/04/2013
Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013
Revised Estimates for Public Services 2013
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Public Expenditure
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
14/03/2013
Acute Hospital Services
Clinical data on in-patient and out-patient services
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Health,Health Policy
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
20/02/2013
Report on Child and Family Income Support
Advisory Group on Tax and Social Welfare
March 2012
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
05/12/2012
Budget 2013 Financial Statement
Budget Day speech by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
05/12/2012
Summary of 2013 Budget Measures
Budget 2013 tax changes and their projected impacts
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Taxation
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
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
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
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
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
28/11/2012
Macro-Financial Review November 2012
Macro-Financial Review November 2012. Central Bank of Ireland
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
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
19/11/2012
Employment Earnings Inequality - Seminar Presentation
Employment Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006 -2010. Seminar Presentation
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
15/11/2012
Employment Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006-2010
Report on Earnings Inequality in Ireland 2006 - 2010
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
14/11/2012
Medium Term Fiscal Statement November 2012
Department of Finance - Medium Term Fiscal Statement November 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
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
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
09/11/2012
Institutional Sector Accounts 2011
This release contains important data on savings and household deb.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
09/11/2012
Earnings And Labour Cost Data 2011
Earnings And Labour Cost Data 2011. Central Statistics Office.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
19/10/2012
Pension Scheme Facts
Pension Schemes regulated by the Pension Board
Categories : Fiscal Fact Sheets,Pension Reform
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
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
09/10/2012
Commission On Taxation - Property Tax
2009 Commission on Taxation Report.
Categories : External Analysis,Local Government,Property Tax,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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
June, 2012
26/06/2012
Ireland: Regaining Creditworthiness
Investor Presentation from the NTMA
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
25/04/2012
Survey of Irish Taxation
An overview of taxation in Ireland.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
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
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
13/04/2012
Time Series of Key Economic Indicators
Tax ratios as a percentage of GDP.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
January, 2011
01/01/2011
OECD on Ireland (2011)
Economic survey on Ireland by the OECD.
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis,Research Reports
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Featured theme: Water Policy
-
-
How Should We Pay for Water
14 Dec 2016The 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.
-
The Future Of Water Charges ?
15 Jun 2016This note sets out the current position in relation to water charges. It also looks at the system of paying for water services in Northern Ireland.
-
Irish Water : The Importance Of Staying The Course
26 Nov 2015Irish Water has made significant progress in a short period. Abolishing Irish Water and removing domestic water charges would be a mistake and set back the prospects of having water services fit for a modern economy.
-
The New Water Charging Structure
3 Dec 2014This note analyses the new structure of water charges.
-
Water Pricing Infographic
17 Nov 2014We’ve contributed a lot to the debate on water pricing in Ireland. Here’s an infographic that sums up our position on the pricing of water in Ireland.
-
Domestic Water Use And Charges : Evidence From The USA
12 Nov 2014The rates and structure of Water Charges vary significantly across the U.S.
-
Letter from California – Hospitals, Highways and Water
31 Mar 2014California continues to be a world leader in most of what it does and how it does it.
79 Merrion Square, Dublin 2, Ireland
tel: 353 (1) 676 0414 | email: info@publicpolicy.ie
Company registration number: 504956
Privacy Policy | Chairman's Blog | Events | Video | Public Policy Documents | News Property Tax Ireland | Pension Reform Ireland | Water Charges Ireland