November 2021 Newsletter

Message from the Director,

November saw the launch of an important research programme. Together with IBEC and the National Institute for Economic and Social Research in the UK, we announced details of a new project on the economy of Northern Ireland. We hope to develop a data-driven, statistical macroeconomic model of NI and, in the process, to learn more about the functioning of the NI economy and its links with the economies of Ireland and Great Britain. We also hope to hold a series of workshops and conferences as the research emerges and for these events to provide an opportunity for discussion on policy to improve economic outcomes across the island.

Among the research published this November, we published a research bulletin and journal article assessing the influence of high-speed broadband availability on second-level student engagement with distance learning during the mandatory school closures. Drawing on GUI data, our colleagues also produced a highly innovative report on fathers in Ireland looking at the extent and nature of fathers’ engagement with their children. A report from the European Migration Network (which is hosted by the ESRI) looked at the alternatives to detention for immigration-related purposes. And the ongoing Social Activity Measure reports from the ESRI’s Behavioural Research Unit continue to play an important role in providing guidance to policy advisors.

I want to alert you to some important launches in the coming weeks. On December 7th we will release the first reports from our work with the Shared Island Unit of the Department of the Taoiseach. The following day will see an event marking the final paper in a partnership with the HSE which focused on the health and wellbeing in childhood and adolescence. You can register for both webinars below.

Most of our past events are available to watch on YouTube and we’ve linked to the most recent recordings below.

Regards,

Professor Alan Barrett

Director