The year draws to a close and a new year begins. The Nevin Economic Research Institute was established in 2012 with the support of 24 trade unions in Ireland. Since its establishment the Institute has published a large number of research working papers and other material which can be viewed on this website. Some of the outputs in the course of this year include:
- NERI input to the estimation for the first time of a ‘Living Wage’ rate in the Republic of Ireland
. This research undertaken in partnership with other bodies has established, for the first time, a benchmark living wage rate for single adults linked to a living income for different household types. - Estimation of how much tax is paid by different households including VAT and excise duties (these estimates had not been available for Ireland in recent decades). The results of this analysis challenges the often-cited claim that Ireland has one of the most progressive tax systems in the world. See Total Tax Contributions by Households in Ireland by Dr Micheál Collins.
- Work on Hours and Earnings in the Northern Ireland Labour Market by Paul MacFlynn. Based on the most recent data this work shows that Northern Ireland has the highest incidence of low pay with almost one in four workers below the UK ‘living wage’ threshold.
- Analysis of macro-economic trends and budgetary choices by Dr Tom McDonnell. See here.
- Analysis of options for affordable housing provision by Daragh McCarthy. See here.
NERI continues to publish, on a quarterly basis, the Quarterly Economic Observer and Quarterly Economic Facts. These provide timely analysis and alternative policy approaches.
The challenges posed by recession, social exclusion, low pay and long-term unemployment require detailed, careful and evidence-based research on the causes. In 2015, while continuing with our programme of work and focus on immediate socio-economic challenges, we will turn our attention increasingly to the long-term strategy and vision required to bring Ireland forward to full employment, greater equality and adequate provision of public goods and services.