A course of introductory lectures on the Irish economy kicks off next month. Aimed at a general audience, including union members, and delivered by experts from the union-backed Nevin Economic Research Institute, the programme of weekly lectures starts on 9^th October. The ten-week course costs €60.

Part of the People’s College 2014-2015 programme, the course has been tailored to people who want a basic understanding of how the Irish economy works, and the key decisions that have shaped our economy.

The course will cover a range of topics including the development of the Irish economy in the 20^th century, supply and demand, the labour market, an overview of the Northern Ireland economy, fiscal policy, wealth and income inequality, theories on political economy and the role of the state and public policy options.

It will also discuss a number of case studies including:

• The budget and the role of special interests
• The causes and consequences of the economic crash
• The post 2008 response to the economic crash and depression economics.