This paper describes the structure and estimation of a structural macro-econometric model of the Northern Ireland economy. We show how it can be used to assess the potential impact of economic shocks and policy changes. Specifically, we have done so by examining the effects of shocks to UK...

This research estimates by how much the NCS reduces childcare costs for families who use formal childcare in Ireland. The cost 'coverage' of the subsidy, measured by the ratio of the subsidy to the total cost of care, is estimated using the microsimulation model, SWITCH, linked to 2022 data from...

Ireland is one of the few European countries without a universal healthcare system (UHC). Instead, a complex system of means-tested schemes that provide free access to various healthcare services or reduced cost medication exist. The most central component of this complex system is the Medical...

Increasing homeownership has been a long-standing policy objective of many western economies. However, homeownership rates have stalled across many of these countries in recent years due to the significant volatility many housing markets have experienced with house prices, in particular, varying...

This paper examines the availability and development of digital skills in the context of an increasing diffusion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies within the economy and the wider society. The paper first assesses Ireland's performance with respect to digital skills...

This paper investigates the impact of on-the-job training on labour productivity, focusing on both the direct effects of training capital accumulation and its complementarity with other intangible capital assets. While previous research has highlighted the positive role of workplace training in...

In this paper we assess the implications of monetary policy shocks on the house price to rent ratio in the case of the Irish property market. Crucially, in light of the particular circumstances of the market, we allow for the interaction between monetary policy and changing credit conditions in...

The decline in international trade following the financial crisis suggests a shift in globalisation and a transformation of the international economic order. Protectionist trade policies have gained prominence as certain major economies increasingly implement tariffs to safeguard domestic...

The COVID-19 health pandemic had a profound impact on economies and their labour markets worldwide. This included Ireland, with its labour market experiencing substantial increases in unemployment due to the implementation of a number of public health measures. The labour market disruptions...

Production-based accounting (PBA) and consumption-based accounting (CBA) of emissions differ in how they consider the emissions resulting from the production of internationally traded commodities. This paper applies both approaches to calculate and compare emissions for Ireland and selected...