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 document downloads listed alphabetically.
The ICE Report (1975) 
(October 6, 2012)
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
The Implications Of The UK Coalition Government's Reforms For Members Of The Public Service Pension Schemes 
(October 26, 2012)
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
The Importance of Exuberance – Alfred Marshall and Garret Fitzgerald
(November 10, 2013)
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
The Irish Benefit System 2012 - Inputs & Outcomes
(May 23, 2012)
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
The Irish Economy in Perspective June 2012
(July 5, 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
The Irish Tax System in an International Context
(November 7, 2013)
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
The Latest EU Commission Economic Forecast for Ireland
(November 8, 2012)
The latest EU Commission Economic Forecast for Ireland - 7 Nov 2012
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
The Local Property Tax
(March 14, 2013)
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
The Minimum Wage in Ireland
(March 27, 2013)
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
The Minimum Wage: Too High Or Too Low?
(June 20, 2013)
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
The Money Should Follow The Patient’s Best Health Care
(February 26, 2013)
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
The National Minimum Wage 2015
(July 30, 2015)
Recommendations from the Low Pay Commission for the National Minimum Wage 2015
Categories : Income Distribution,Policy Briefs,Public Expenditure
The New Property Tax.
(December 17, 2012)
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
The Present System Of Government Accounting Is No Longer Fit For Purpose
(May 4, 2012)
“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
The Prevalence of Smoking in Ireland
(March 3, 2014)
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
The Pros & Cons Of Various Schemes Of Charging For Water
(July 3, 2012)
This paper provides some evidence on the pros & cons of various schemes of charging for water
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Water Policy
The Public Sector Pay Gap
(December 1, 2011)
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
The Recruitment, Retention, Performance And Development Of Senior Civil Servants In Ireland
(December 8, 2014)
Top Level Appointments Committee Final Report
Categories : External Analysis,Policy Briefs,Public Sector Reform
The Reinhart and Rogoff Debate: Implications for Ireland
(April 24, 2013)
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
The Role of the Government Economic Service in Scotland
(May 30, 2013)
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
The Structure of Ireland's Tax System And Options for Growth Enhancing Reform
(June 26, 2013)
Presentation by Brendan O'Connor at the Tax Conference June 2013 hosted by the Department of Finance
Categories : Budget and Troika,External Analysis
The Troika And Financial Assistance In The Euro Area: Successes And Failures
(February 20, 2014)
The Troika and financial assistance in the euro area: successes and failures.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis,Financial Crisis
The Universal Social Charge Should Apply to State Contributory Pensions
(September 30, 2013)
This note explains why the The Universal Social Charge Should Apply to State Contributory Pensions
Categories : Our Analysis,Pension Reform
The Valuation of Public and Private Sector Pensions : Some Issues
(October 11, 2013)
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
Time for Eurozone To Revisit Default Debt Option
(November 14, 2012)
Irish Times article by Ashoka Moody.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Debt & Deficits,External Analysis
Time Series of Key Economic Indicators
(April 13, 2012)
Tax ratios as a percentage of GDP.
Categories : Budget and Troika,Fiscal Fact Sheets,Taxation
Towards a Genuine Economic and Monetary Union
(April 3, 2013)
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
Tracker Mortgages; How Much Equity?
(June 12, 2014)
This note analyses mortgage arrears in Ireland with particular reference to tracker mortgages
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Understanding The Impact of the Great Recession on Income Inequality
(June 27, 2013)
Presentation by Cathal O’Donoghue, Teagasc Rural Economy and Development Programme.
Categories : External Analysis,Income Distribution
Update to Local Government Finance Web App
(August 13, 2014)
More data on Town Councils included in our App localauthorityfinances.com
Categories : Local Government,Our Analysis
Urgent Action Needed To Deliver Pension Promises
(November 1, 2016)
Ireland’s pension system promises adequate benefits in general but unless action is taken soon to address
Categories : Pension Reform
Vacant Site Levy - An Update
(June 18, 2015)
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
Very Low Work Intensity In Ireland And The EU
(August 11, 2016)
Very Low Work Intensity In Ireland And The EU
Categories : Income Distribution,Our Analysis
Water Charges: An Interim Scheme?
(February 8, 2013)
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
Water for Poor People - Lessons from France & Belgium
(June 20, 2012)
Paper delivered by Dr Henri Smets at the Seminar on the 19th June.
Categories : Environment & Sustainability,External Analysis,Water Policy
Water for Poor People - The Case for Affordable Water
(June 25, 2012)
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
We Need A Fair Means Test For Third-level Grants
(March 20, 2013)
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
Wealth of Older People in Ireland : North and South, CARDI, June 2014
(July 10, 2014)
Wealth of Older People in Ireland : North and South, CARDI, June 2014
Categories : Income Distribution
Welfare Targeting and Work Incentives
(June 12, 2014)
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
Welfare Traps
(August 29, 2013)
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
Well-Being & Economic Conditions in Ireland
(December 1, 2011)
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
What Kind of European Banking Union
(April 3, 2013)
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
What Should We Do About Local Property Tax?
(February 7, 2018)
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
What We Don't Know About State Funding
(December 17, 2012)
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
Where Did The Money Go ?
(February 2, 2015)
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
White Paper On Universal Health Insurance
(April 3, 2014)
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
Who Saves For Retirement?
(December 1, 2011)
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
Why Are Irish House Prices Still Falling?
(April 30, 2012)
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
Why Coillte’s Timber Harvesting Rights Should Not Be Sold.
(June 24, 2013)
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
Work Incentives
(January 27, 2014)
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
Work Incentives
(February 4, 2015)
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
Featured theme: Water Policy
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The New Water Charging Structure
3 Dec 2014This note analyses the new structure of water charges.
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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.
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Domestic Water Use And Charges : Evidence From The USA
12 Nov 2014The rates and structure of Water Charges vary significantly across the U.S.
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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.
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