Using Evidence to Inform Policy

Using Evidence to Inform Policy will be launched by Taoiseach Enda Kenny on 27 November in Government Buildings. The book, edited by economist, author and former BBC journalist Pete Lunn and the Director of the ESRI Frances Ruane, is a unique examination of how evidence can be used to improve policymaking, especially in challenging times. The fallout from the recent Budget has emphasised the need for transparency in policy decisions. Research and evidence can help to provide this transparency, and Using Evidence to Inform Policy outlines how. However, the book also demonstrates the complexity of the relationship between evidence and policy, arguing that in most cases good policy cannot be determined by evidence alone.

About the book: Using Evidence to Inform Policy demonstrates the breadth and value of the contribution that evidence can make to policy. It presents eleven studies drawn from recent ESRI research projects, illustrating different aspects of the relationship between evidence and policy, and how these vary by policy area. The theme of how evidence can influence policy is examined in a wide range of areas, including the economy, public infrastructure, innovation, competition, the labour market, financial regulation, healthcare, housing, education, government spending, public services and earnings. Each chapter tackles a question that’s relevant to policymaking in Ireland now, for example, how to protect consumers of financial services; what is the Irish public’s perception of public services and their implications for public sector reform?; how to explain changes in earnings and labour costs during the recession; what is the evidence for providing economic security through competition and regulatory policy?; do active labour market policies activate?; how to boost innovation and productivity in enterprises.

About the Editors:

Dr Pete Lunn is a behavioural economist, author and former BBC journalist, who joined the ESRI in 2006. He has also written for The Irish Times, Irish Independent, New Scientist and Prospect.

Prof. Frances Ruane, Director of the ESRI, previously lectured in the Department of Economics in Trinity College Dublin. Having previously worked for the IDA and the Central Bank of Ireland, and on numerous boards and governmental advisory committees, she has written extensively on Irish policy issues.

Using Evidence to Inform Policy is available from all major bookshops and www.gillmacmillan.ie, priced €39.99.