What Next for Irish Public Policy Development? Strengthening the Use of Data and Evidence
What Next for Irish Public Policy Development? Strengthening the Use of Data and Evidence
The Institute for Lifecourse & Society (ILAS) hosted a seminar titled “What Next for Irish Public Policy Development? Strengthening the Use of Data and Evidence” on Tuesday, 28th May 2024, from 10:00am to 4:00pm in the Auditorium of the ILAS Building. This event was part of ILAS’s Public Policy Innovation Series, framed by the overarching theme “Enabling Equity Across the Lifecourse”.
The seminar focused on research and evidence as a key pillar in developing effective public policy and fostered debate about next steps in a vital and challenging agenda of change. It examined substantial work underway on strengthening approaches to policy development, implementation, and evaluation, and enhancing the impact of policy over the complete life course. The civil and public service reform agenda and the Research and Innovation Strategy Impact 2030 formed a key backdrop to the event.
The event featured a series of sessions and panel discussions:
Session 1: Setting the Scene: Progress, Plans, and International Context
Moderator: Prof. Emer Mulligan, University of Galway
Panelists:
- Elizabeth Canavan, Department of the Taoiseach
- Jasmina Behan, Department of Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform
- Larry O’Connell, Director, National Economic and Social Council (NESC)
- Prof. Eilionóir Flynn, Director, School of Law, University of Galway
- Ivan Cooper, CEO, The Wheel
This session examined progress since the OECD report Strengthening Policy Development in the Public Sector in Ireland (May 2023) from a national and international perspective, broadening the dialogue with public bodies, NGOs, and other interested parties.
Session 2: Data and Evidence: Strengthening the Impact of Policy on People's Lives
Moderator: Prof. Kieran Walsh, Director, ILAS, University of Galway
Panelists:
- Padraig Dalton, Director, Central Statistics Office (CSO)
The seminar concluded with a recorded message from Simon Harris TD, Taoiseach, and reflections by Dr. Fergal Lynch, Senior Lead, Government and Public Policy Engagement, University of Galway, Prof. John Canavan, Institute for Lifecourse and Society and John McKeon, Secretary General, Department of Social Protection.
