The Economy of Ireland
Policy Making in a Global Context
15th Edition
Published on 21. August 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
488 pages
978-1-350-46812-2 (ISBN)
Description
Authored by some of the most distinguished economists in Ireland, the 15th edition of this well-established textbook examines the background, development and ongoing issues surrounding the economy of Ireland.
The Economy of Ireland considers the evolution of the Irish economy over time; the policy priorities for a small regional economy in the eurozone; the role of the state in policy making; taxation and regulatory policy; and the challenge of sustainable development. This provides a framework for analysing policy issues at a national level, including the Irish labour market and migration, inequality and poverty, and the care economy. The book then considers issues at a sectoral level, from agriculture and trade to the education and health sectors.
Fully updated with the latest available data, contemporary examples and references, as well as discussion and analysis of current topical issues, all chapters have been extensively revised for the new edition. With two brand new chapters on Behavioural Economics and Demography, and updated material and analysis on taxation, inequality, sustainable development and ethics, this is an ideal text for students studying modules on Irish Economics.
The Economy of Ireland considers the evolution of the Irish economy over time; the policy priorities for a small regional economy in the eurozone; the role of the state in policy making; taxation and regulatory policy; and the challenge of sustainable development. This provides a framework for analysing policy issues at a national level, including the Irish labour market and migration, inequality and poverty, and the care economy. The book then considers issues at a sectoral level, from agriculture and trade to the education and health sectors.
Fully updated with the latest available data, contemporary examples and references, as well as discussion and analysis of current topical issues, all chapters have been extensively revised for the new edition. With two brand new chapters on Behavioural Economics and Demography, and updated material and analysis on taxation, inequality, sustainable development and ethics, this is an ideal text for students studying modules on Irish Economics.
Reviews / Votes
'The Economy of Ireland is a key resource that has informed generations of students and professionals and continues to be essential reading for those interested in the many fascinating topics surrounding the economy and economic policy in Ireland. The impressive 15th edition continues to strike an excellent balance of covering classic recurring topics and evolving challenges across policy domains and sectors.' * Liam Delaney, London School of Economics, UK * 'Taking economic principles, theory and evidence as its standard, The Economy of Ireland deftly covers what can undoubtedly feel like an opaque and complex process, namely public policy making. In doing so, it provides valuable guidance to student and non-student readers alike across a range of relevant and pressing policy areas.' * Jean Acheson, Head of Statistics and Economic Research, Revenue Commissioners * 'The Economy of Ireland offers an insightful and thorough analysis of the Irish economy, providing a valuable exploration of the trade-offs policymakers will face in Ireland and similar economies over the next decade. This book is accessible yet rigorous and is an essential resource for anyone interested in understanding the complex economic landscape of Ireland-whether they're a student of economics or simply a curious reader eager to grasp the challenges shaping the country's future.' * Cormac O'Dea, Yale University, USA *More details
Edition
15th edition
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Target group
College/higher education
Dimensions
Height: 155 mm
Width: 235 mm
Thickness: 29 mm
Weight
736 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-350-46812-2 (9781350468122)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
John O'Hagan is Emeritus Professor and Senior Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. He has edited all editions of this book. His main areas of research include the economics of the Arts, and the Economy of Ireland.
Francis O'Toole is Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His main teaching and research interests are in the areas of the Economics of Competition Policy and the Economics of Public Policy.
Ciara Whelan is Assistant Professor in the School of Economics, University College Dublin, Ireland. Her main research interests are in applied industrial economics and competition policy.
Francis O'Toole is Associate Professor in the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy in Trinity College Dublin, Ireland. His main teaching and research interests are in the areas of the Economics of Competition Policy and the Economics of Public Policy.
Ciara Whelan is Assistant Professor in the School of Economics, University College Dublin, Ireland. Her main research interests are in applied industrial economics and competition policy.
Content
Foreword
Preface
I POLICY CONTEXT
1. Historical Background, Jonathan Haughton (Suffolk University, USA)
2. Policy Priorities, John O'Hagan (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
3. Sustainable Development: Policy Goals and Implementation Issues, Patrick Paul Walsh (University College Dublin, Ireland)
4. Care, Gender and Policy, Sara Cantillon and Nina Teasdale (Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland)
II POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
5. National and International Levels of Government: Rationale and Issues, Philip R. Lane (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
6. Taxation, Barra Roantree (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
7. Regulation, Tara Mitchel and Francis O'Toole (Trinity College Dublin, UK)
8. Behavioural Economics: Informing Public Policy, Feidhlim McGowan (University of Galway, Ireland)
III POLICY ISSUES AT NATIONAL LEVEL
9. Demography and Migration, Martina Lawless (ESRI) and Tara McIndoe-Calder (Central Bank of Ireland)
10. Labour Market, Frank Walsh (University College Dublin, Ireland)
11. Growth in Output and Living Standards, John FitzGerald and Michael Wycherley (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
12. Inequality, Micheal Collins (University College Dublin, Ireland)
IV POLICY ISSUES AT SECTORAL LEVEL
13. Agri-Food Sector and Policy, Alan Matthews (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
14. Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Services, Ciara Whelan (University College Dublin, Ireland)
15. Energy: Supply, Security and the Environment, Eleanor Denny (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
16. Housing, Ronan C. Lyons (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
17. Education: Policy and Performance, Paul Devereux and Ciara Whelan (University College Dublin, Ireland)
18. Health: Funding, Access and Efficiency, Anne Nolan (The Economic and Social Research Institute, Ireland)
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index
Preface
I POLICY CONTEXT
1. Historical Background, Jonathan Haughton (Suffolk University, USA)
2. Policy Priorities, John O'Hagan (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
3. Sustainable Development: Policy Goals and Implementation Issues, Patrick Paul Walsh (University College Dublin, Ireland)
4. Care, Gender and Policy, Sara Cantillon and Nina Teasdale (Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland)
II POLICY IMPLEMENTATION
5. National and International Levels of Government: Rationale and Issues, Philip R. Lane (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
6. Taxation, Barra Roantree (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
7. Regulation, Tara Mitchel and Francis O'Toole (Trinity College Dublin, UK)
8. Behavioural Economics: Informing Public Policy, Feidhlim McGowan (University of Galway, Ireland)
III POLICY ISSUES AT NATIONAL LEVEL
9. Demography and Migration, Martina Lawless (ESRI) and Tara McIndoe-Calder (Central Bank of Ireland)
10. Labour Market, Frank Walsh (University College Dublin, Ireland)
11. Growth in Output and Living Standards, John FitzGerald and Michael Wycherley (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
12. Inequality, Micheal Collins (University College Dublin, Ireland)
IV POLICY ISSUES AT SECTORAL LEVEL
13. Agri-Food Sector and Policy, Alan Matthews (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
14. Manufacturing and Internationally Traded Services, Ciara Whelan (University College Dublin, Ireland)
15. Energy: Supply, Security and the Environment, Eleanor Denny (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
16. Housing, Ronan C. Lyons (Trinity College Dublin, Ireland)
17. Education: Policy and Performance, Paul Devereux and Ciara Whelan (University College Dublin, Ireland)
18. Health: Funding, Access and Efficiency, Anne Nolan (The Economic and Social Research Institute, Ireland)
Conclusion
Bibliography
Index