Book Review of William Kingston, 2007, Interrogating Irish Policies, Dublin: Dublin University Press, 148 pages

Abstract

Interrogating Irish Policies draws together 10 of the author’s papers published between 1976 and 2006 and adds a concluding chapter written specially for this volume. It provides a fascinating and thoroughly unique perspective on a range of important issues that are normally dealt with in isolation (when considered at all). Amongst these are how innovative lawmaking can substitute for microeconomic intervention, and why the latter is almost invariably chosen in Ireland; the appropriate role of the public sector bureaucracy and how it can be re-engineered to function more efficiently; and aspects of Irish STI (science, technology and innovation) policy, and particularly how innovative treatment of Intellectual Property issues can be used to expand the level of commercial innovation in Ireland. In the author’s world view, these seemingly diverse issues form a coherent whole. The current debate on public-sector efficiency and the massive increase in Irish STI funding over recent years combine to make the present volume both timely and valuable.