The Macroeconomic Context and Appropriate Fiscal Stance for Budget 2002: The changing macroeconomic background in which Budget 2002 must be framed is set out. The appropriate stance for budgetary policy as the economy moves towards lower growth rates are assessed including consideration of the...

This paper sets out the basic framework and results on the responsiveness of married men and married women to changes in their gross wages. The framework for exploring the impact of a tax change on labour supply is briefly described. The impacts of alternative forms of tax cut are examined. The...

Nolan and Callan examine why relative income poverty rates in Ireland have remained high compared with many other EU countries. They begin by presenting the basic facts of the situation and look at a variety of possible explanations for the observed patterns. They conclude that differences in...

Inequalities in educational outcomes over time are described. Patterns of educational expenditure are outlined, highlighting differences between and within the primary, secondary and tertiary sectors. Recent policy developments are explored which involve targeting spending on "disadvantaged"...

Forecasting the Public Finances and the Macroeconomic Context for Budget 2003: by Adele Bergin, David Duffy, John Eakins & Daniel McCoy This first paper outlines the macroeconomic context in which the Budget is set and attempts to discern the appropriate fiscal stance for 2003. The authors see...