On Tuesday 18 January, Philip McDonagh looked at the subject of “Northern Ireland – Subvention City Or Still A Special Case?”

What mechanisms determine the level of public expenditure here? Are they linked to need? Why is public expenditure so high? What choices does the NI Executive have? Should we do more to pay our way? What is the role of the Voluntary sector? Can the Big Society, Welfare Reforms or even the next generation help us through? What about those in need?

You can also download the audio of the talk and discussion – though you’ll miss the context of reading the slides in the video above.

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For the last 10 years, I have been living in a tribal society in the Middle East. Family connections are strong and are used to secure jobs, licenses, benefits, healthcare, education, etc. The system works well for those who are part of it, but for those on the outside – foreign workers, refugees, people from lesser families, the poor – it can be difficult to get things done. Social mobility is often limited by surname, and there is a growing gap between the elite and the rest. I love living in this country, but as rich westerners, our money gives us a voice. I wouldn’t like to live here if I were poor. (more…)