Public Policy Series

International Perspectives on the Irish Economy

is a collection of essays on the recent and unprecedented economic growth in Ireland by a panel of world renowned economists.

Ireland's economy has recently been described as the Celtic Tiger, but International Perspectives goes beyond the hype and takes a more sober look at the Irish Economy at the end of the millennium, and identifies the sources of its success and the challenges for the Irish economy in the future. The sources of success, such as the importance of labour force skills and education are examined along with the challenges for the future, such as competition and regulatory policy reform.

Proceeds from the sale of books in the Indecon Public Policy Series are donated to Focus Ireland, a leading charity for the homeless in Ireland.

The Economic Consequences of Peace in Ireland

by Alan Gray, published as part of the Indecon Public Policy Series, takes a prescient view at how continuing down the road to peace would pay economic dividends to Northern Ireland. A central theme in the book is that Northern Ireland's economy would need to restructure significantly, reducing public expenditures' share of national output, if it is to reap the rewards of peace.

The Economic Consequences of Peace then takes a more focused and detailed look at two sectors that might benefit most from peace: tourism and foreign investment. The study aims at assisting in developing an informed analysis of the international tourism and investment sectors in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Responses to Irish Unemployment

Responses to Irish Unemployment published as part of the Indecon Public Policy Series comprises a collection of specially commissioned essays which address some of the economic policy changes required to increase employment in Ireland. Ireland was at the time high levels of unemployment which were causing much social upheaval. This was in sharp contrast to the rather healthy economic conditions enjoyed in Ireland subsequently.

The contributing authors are Alan Gray (Indecon), Kieran Kennedy (ESRI), Dermot McAleese (Trinity College, Dublin), and Brendan Walsh (University College, Dublin). Each author was free to identify the specific areas of policy that were felt to be of greatest importance in addressing the issue of unemployment in Ireland.

While a wide range of policy areas are dealt with in the book, a number of common themes emerge. These include the priority of maintaining favourable macroeconomic structure, the tax treatment of investments in productive enterprises, and the reform of industrial and labour market policies.

Proceeds from the sale of books in the Indecon Public Policy Series are donated to leading charities.