The rapid development of the Irish economy in the 1990s has provided substantial scope and possibilities for radical change. During this period the Irish economy has experienced high growth rates, expanding employment and low levels of unemployment. This paper evaluates the trend in welfare provision and social outcomes for this period. Although the Irish social welfare system has become more generous in the areas of health, education and direct social welfare benefits, it remains closer to a residual than a universal system. We conclude that there is little evidence in the Irish case yet to support any substantive trend toward a more socially equitable system.
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