Please help with policy assignment!

Lolabear

hey everyone, i have an assignment on a policy which has changed since the recession, here's the question:

Ireland is currently in an economic situation which has led to changes and consideration of changes in a wide range of financial and social policies. Each student must select a policy change which has already been implemented or which is being discussed for implementation in the next few years. The policy change may affect businesses, students, families, children, elderly people, the environment, etc.

For the selected policy change, discuss each of the following topics:

1. A statement of the policy change and the rationale that is being/was used for the change.
2. The major positions (pro and con) that have been presented, with references to major groups on each side of the debate.
3. A discussion of the costs/benefits/risks of the policy change for both individuals and the broader societal groups, considering both short-term and long-term effects.
4. Your opinion of the likely success of the policy change – with your reasons clearly stated and explained.

I dont want anyone to do the assignment would just love if someone could point me in the right direction?!?!?!?

thanks!!

Godge

With an assignment like that, the easiest way to approach it is to consider something that you know a lot about or something that affects you directly so you can try and take an objective approach to that. Bringing a bit of your own thoughts to an assignment always works well.

As a student, an obvious one is the cut in the money the state gives universities/IoTs and the consequences for student fees, class sizes, student services etc.

Another easy one would be if you live in any of the areas covered by Metro North, Dart Underground, Metro West etc. and you can talk about the local effects.

SBWife

To be honest not many policies have changed during the recession. The focus has really been at tweeking at the edges and changing rates rather than making absolute policy changes.

The main one I can think of that has actually changed is that the automatic entitlement to a medical card for the over 70s has been moved to a means tested system.

SBWife

I wouldn't describe postponing or cancelling an infrastructure project as a change in policy.

There has been a change in policy regarding the provision of special needs teachers.

As of yet there has been no changes in policy re the universities, the student activity fee has increased but this existed prior to the recession, and as of now fees have not been re-introduced.

Godge

SBWife wrote: »

I wouldn't describe postponing or cancelling an infrastructure project as a change in policy.

There has been a change in policy regarding the provision of special needs teachers.

As of yet there has been no changes in policy re the universities, the student activity fee has increased but this existed prior to the recession, and as of now fees have not been re-introduced.

You mightn't describe them as policy changes but that would be a very limited view of the world.

Given that a policy on infrastructural development is set out in a capital plan that runs for up to ten years, cancellation of a project is a change in policy and you can clearly point to the change. Plenty of material for an assignment.

Similarly, a National Strategy on Higher Education was published last year setting out a new policy with regard to fees etc. The student service charge has gone from €700 to €2000 in a short number of years, that is a policy change, the same way that an increase in VAT is a policy change. Again it can be clearly shown and there is plenty of material for an assignment. The assignment also covers policy changes which are being discussed for implementation - increased student charges, given the national strategy clearly falls under this.

Other policy changes (implemented or being talked about) with an impact greater than a reduction in special needs teachers include:

- new pension scheme for public servants
- significant pay cuts for top civil servants moving away from a policy of comparison with the private sector to a policy of comparison with Europe
- increases in the pupil-teacher ratio at first and second level with interestingly, the first divergence between private and public schools
- rationalisation of A&E Departments
- contracting out of waste collection
- tax on second homes
- levy on private sector pension funds
- new property tax
- water charges
- changes in payment of one-parent allowance and child benefit reducing the amounts in respect of older children

All of the above involve and require policy changes at Ministerial or Government level. Plenty there for the OP to pick from.

Shakti

FG/Labour ministers turn to Boards.ie for help running the country ((screwing the poor)even more)

liammur

Lolabear wrote: »

hey everyone, i have an assignment on a policy which has changed since the recession, here's the question:

Ireland is currently in an economic situation which has led to changes and consideration of changes in a wide range of financial and social policies. Each student must select a policy change which has already been implemented or which is being discussed for implementation in the next few years. The policy change may affect businesses, students, families, children, elderly people, the environment, etc.

For the selected policy change, discuss each of the following topics:

1. A statement of the policy change and the rationale that is being/was used for the change.
2. The major positions (pro and con) that have been presented, with references to major groups on each side of the debate.
3. A discussion of the costs/benefits/risks of the policy change for both individuals and the broader societal groups, considering both short-term and long-term effects.
4. Your opinion of the likely success of the policy change – with your reasons clearly stated and explained.

I dont want anyone to do the assignment would just love if someone could point me in the right direction?!?!?!?

thanks!!

I would look at health. There is a huge shift in policy and it's constantly in the news, thereby guaranteeing you lots of info.

anymore

Lolabear wrote: »

hey everyone, i have an assignment on a policy which has changed since the recession, here's the question:

Ireland is currently in an economic situation which has led to changes and consideration of changes in a wide range of financial and social policies. Each student must select a policy change which has already been implemented or which is being discussed for implementation in the next few years. The policy change may affect businesses, students, families, children, elderly people, the environment, etc.

For the selected policy change, discuss each of the following topics:

1. A statement of the policy change and the rationale that is being/was used for the change.
2. The major positions (pro and con) that have been presented, with references to major groups on each side of the debate.
3. A discussion of the costs/benefits/risks of the policy change for both individuals and the broader societal groups, considering both short-term and long-term effects.
4. Your opinion of the likely success of the policy change – with your reasons clearly stated and explained.

I dont want anyone to do the assignment would just love if someone could point me in the right direction?!?!?!?

thanks!!

Is this a sign of falling standards in the irish education system ? Students getting posters on the internet to do the assignment ?

liammur

anymore wrote: »

Is this a sign of falling standards in the irish education system ? Students getting posters on the internet to do the assignment ?

Falling standards? Our education system at uni level is nowhere near as good as the majority think it is.

anymore

liammur wrote: »

Falling standards? Our education system at uni level is nowhere near as good as the majority think it is.

I found that out for myself studying for a degree at night.

Lolabear

i was actually just looking for opinions on policies which are really affecting us in the current climate, Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

The topic which i have chosen is the change in the BTEA.

Also in terms of "Falling standards" I think you get what you put into the course. My standards haven't fallen. I know that from doing a Full time course.

nesf

This forum isn't to be used for homework.