Social capital is a rapidly expanding research theme within economics and has become a popular concept with policy makers in both developed and developing countries. Despite this growth in popularity, social capital remains a controversial concept among economists. We argue that this is largely...

Addressing the extra economic costs of disability seems a logical step towards alleviating elements of social exclusion for people with disabilities. This paper estimates the economic cost of disability in Ireland in terms of the additional spending needs that arise due to disability. It defines...

This paper aims to analyse the effect of disability on participation in the labour force, using the Irish component of the European Community Household Panel Survey 1995-2000. A range of panel models are considered, but to allow for any unobserved influences or state dependence in labour force...

Similar to many other European countries, the funding system for Irish hospitals is partially based on casemix, whereby resources are redistributed annually to hospitals with greater efficiency. For this reason, accurate measurement of efficiency is essential, so in this paper, we use Data...

The purpose of the report is to provide a descriptive account of levels and patterns of sport and leisure-time activity in Ireland today, viewed from a health perspective, and to draw implications for policy on the promotion of sport and physical exercise for public health purposes. The report...

This article analyses the development of productivity growth and efficiency in the production of hospital care in Ireland from 1995 to 1998. Using output measures of treated cases adjusted for casemix, we apply Malmquist Productivity Indices to analyse changes in efficiency over time. This...

Part-Time (PT) work is viewed as a viable option for people who wish to have a gradual transition to retirement. From a policy viewpoint, this may help to alleviate some labour supply shortages and fiscal pressures, especially in the context of the ageing population. Factors such as health or...