The island of Ireland has seen great challenges and changes over the life span of the current governments in both jurisdictions. Returning the economy to growth in the Republic has been a central focus along with efforts to re-configure the public service at local and national level. Likewise in Northern Ireland, the Assembly has had to confront economic change, social challenges and an unstable political environment. As new governments come forward in the next year, what can policymakers in either jurisdiction expect to confront? Are the challenges to remain as they are or are new policy priorities now to influence the day to day delivery of public policy?

In this Seminar, leading policy experts will identify those challenges likely to inform the priorities of the incoming governments, with a particular focus on the Republic. It will look at some of the policy legacies requiring a new perspective in a new government while also taking on board international influences which will be critical drivers in how the new governments deliver their political commitments in a new programme for government in both jurisdictions.

Who should attend?

The seminar will be of interest to key policy makers across the full sphere of public policy on the island of Ireland. Likely participants will include senior civil servants, local government chief executives, state agency executives, policy advisors to the political parties as well as key contributors to policy development from the social partners. A limited number of spaces are being reserved for students to attend.

Registration and Venue

It is possible to register for the conference online at this address.

The seminar will take place in the Long Room Hub, Trinity College Dublin. Please note that there is a €75 fee for attending the conference and this includes lunch.

Further information
For further information, please contact: sean@seanoriordain.ie

Programme

Chairman: Julie O'Neill

9.15-9.30 Opening Remarks:

Mr. Martin Frazer, Secretary General at the Department of An Taoiseach and Secretary General to the Government

9.30-10.00 Public Sector Reform: Challenges for an incoming Government,

Declan Kearney

10.00-10.30 The Economics of the next Programme for Government in Ireland,

Dr Ronan Lyons & Dr Stephen Kinsella

10.30-11.00 Coffee

11.00-11.30 Northern Ireland 2016-2021: Challenges and Opportunities,

Colin Stutt & Stephanie Morrow

11.30-12.00 Implications of EU 2030 package for Ireland’s climate change and energy agendas, Dr Peter Brennan and Mr. Denis Cagney

12.00-12.30 Local Government and Spatial Planning in Ireland,

Dr Seán Ó'Riordáin & John Martin

12.30-13.00 Panel Discussion

13.00 Lunch, with contribution from Dan O'Brien, Senior Economist, Irish Institute for International and European Affairs