In this paper a rich and innovative dataset, the International Adult Literacy Survey, is used to examine the impact of cognitive skill/functional literacy earnings. The IALS surveys 12 OECD countries and sub-regions via a consistent questionnaire and includes a number of tests of numeracy and...

In this paper we provide an analytical review of previous estimates of the rate of return on schooling investments and measure how these estimates vary by country, over time, and by estimation method. We find evidence of reporting (or "file drawer") bias in the estimates and, after due account...

This paper exploits an unusual policy reform that had the effect of reducing the direct cost of schooling in Ireland in the late 1960's. This gave rise to an increased level of schooling but with effects that vary substantially across family background. This interaction of educational reform and...

Traditionally, Economists tought of high unemployment as a cyclical phenomenon; unemployment would eventually moderate wage demands and thereby open up new employment opportunities. Hysterisis suggests however that workers who become long term unemployed find it extremely difficult, if not...

This paper uses pooled cross-section data on recent school leaves in Ireland to model the determinants of labour market status and wages for young adults. Firstly we use a multinomial logit model to analyze whether individuals exit school to employment, unemployment or higher education...

In my contribution to this Symposium I wish to explore two main themes. The first deals with the contribution of education to economic growth at the macro level. In this part I shall discuss the evidence of the importance of eduaction - or human capital formation - as a determinant of the...