Good Friday Committee to discuss the economics of Northern Ireland and the all-island economy with representatives from the ESRI

Representatives from the Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI), Dr. Alan Barrett, Dr. Adele Bergin and Dr. Seamus McGuinness will appear at the Committee.

Speaking ahead of the meeting, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Fergus O’Dowd said:

“We welcome the opportunity to hear from the ESRI on the issue of the economics on both sides of the Border and the all-island economy.

“There has been a lack of cross border or comparative research on this topic but there is an emerging body of research pointing to substantial gaps in income and living standards between Northern Ireland and Ireland as well as higher disposable incomes and living standards in Ireland relative to Northern Ireland.”

“The difference in education and training systems, productivity levels and differences in social welfare systems and the explanations for these differences are among the topics we expect to discuss.”

Watch the meeting live here or on the Oireachtas smartphone app for Apple and Android.