Austerity and recovery in Ireland: Europe’s poster child and the great recession

Abstract

This chapter examines the reforms that have taken place in public services from before the financial crisis, through immediate reform efforts post-crisis focused on reduction in pay and numbers, to broader reform initiatives that have occurred since 2011. The impact of the austerity-related reforms is analysed and assessed from four main perspectives: (a) the impact on public service numbers and pay, (b) the views of senior public executives on the impact of austerity and reform efforts, (c) the effect on the public service bargain, and (d) the effect on the organization and delivery of public services. The chapter concludes with a discussion of the likely longer-term implications of the public service reforms undertaken during the time of austerity.