1/7 The Council has a new blog post out today. It focuses on health spending overruns, which accounted for a large share of current spending overruns in recent years.

The Fiscal Council welcomes its newest Council Member, Oana Peia. Dr Peia is an Assistant Professor of Economics at UCD. She has conducted research on sovereign debt, bond markets and fiscal policy. www.fiscalcouncil.ie/new-council-...

Today, the Council is releasing new research on the concentration of Ireland’s corporation tax receipts. Brian Cronin, author of the blog, talks though some of the key findings. Read the blog on our website: lnkd.in/exGYra7X, or on our Substack: lnkd.in/enXRWQbz

The Council is hosting its annual conference on Thursday 19th February. This year’s conference is on the theme of government revenue. This includes risks to Ireland’s corporation tax, and the impacts of ageing and AI on government revenue. Register here: ti.to/irish-fiscal...

I was delighted to contribute to today's @irishtimes.com feature on Ireland's creaking infrastructure. I offer some thoughts on how big our infrastructure deficit is and how we can best address it. www.irishtimes.com/life-style/2...

1/8 The Fiscal Council's latest report looks at the prospects for the Irish economy and public finances. The report comes at a time of heightened uncertainty.

Some quotes here on corporation tax. The largest payers of corporation tax in Ireland remain highly profitable and have so far escaped tariffs.

Congratulations to the winners of our ISWE prizes at the IEA, Bhavya Shrivastava and Lilia Wasserka-Zhurakhovska, as well as Novartis Prize winner Doireann O'Brien and Young Economist Prize Winner Olivia Finan. Pictured with Keynote Speaker John List and Orla Doyle. All female winners! Well done!

The Fiscal Council has collaborated with the Climate Change Advisory Council on a new report. It sets out the costs Ireland faces if it misses its agreed EU climate commitments. These could amount to staggering payments of €8bn to €26bn to Europe. Read more at www.fiscalcouncil.ie/a-colossal-m...

Yesterday, I presented some recent research on Ireland's infrastructure demands at the @fiscalcouncil.bsky.social annual conference. Some reporting below from the event. Many thanks to all who gave their time to present and attend. Slides can be found here: www.fiscalcouncil.ie/path-for-the...

We are hiring!! Come join a great team working on the most important economic policy issues in Ireland. Interns in previous years have had a great experience, working in a friendly workplace with remote working possibilities. Spread the word!! www.fiscalcouncil.ie/summer-inter...

1/3 Yesterday, the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) of Ireland suggested up to 30,000 housing units are under review at An Bord Pleanála or facing judicial review. While these figures seem shockingly high, it is consistent with previous work by myself and @timoneykevin.bsky.social.

5/5 Looking ahead to 2025, current spending is forecast to increase by only 1.4%. Overruns are likely to be repeated—particularly in health. Despite an expected increase in staff, and pay increases exceeding 1.5% for 2025, the health pay bill is forecast to increase by only 1.5%.

Ireland facing climate fines of up to €20 billion by 2030, fiscal watchdog warns. The figure is more than twice the Department of Public Expenditure’s often cited figure of €8 billion, as it includes likely increases in cost of carbon credits. www.businesspost.ie/news/ireland...

1/10 The Fiscal Council's latest report looks at the prospects for the Irish economy and public finances. We point to the extraordinary levels of corporation tax being collected. These create huge opportunities but also important risks.

Applications for our 2025 Mentorship Programme are open until 10pm on Monday! Economists (all genders) working or PhD students on the island of Ireland are invited to apply. Volunteer to be a mentor here: forms.gle/Yu9tuKRVvVoC... Apply to be a mentee here: forms.gle/Ry8Qiicu1pmX...

I've never written an applied micro paper before. I'm about to find out if I can write one at short notice!!!