Economics Assignment: Policy Brief on a current issue relevant to the Irish economy

Policy Brief – Assessment Details (25%)

Each student must prepare a short Policy Brief on a current issue relevant to the Irish economy. You are encouraged to choose a topic that genuinely interests you – for example: child/eldercare, health, taxation, industrial policy, migration, climate change, labour markets, housing, or any other area where public policy plays an important role.

Your chosen issue must have implications for one or more of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and related targets, with reference to any interlinkages between relevant SDGs.  [Your topic may, but does not have to, relate to the Care Economy (paid or unpaid care).]

Structure and Guidance

The aim of this assignment is to apply the framework for policy analysis developed in class, demonstrating your ability to critically assess real-world policy challenges in Ireland.

Your brief should follow a clear and logical structure. Use headings or subheadings to help keep it focused. .

• Title

Choose a concise, informative title for your policy brief. It should clearly signal the policy issue you are addressing.

• Rationale for Intervention

Why does this issue require government attention? What is the economic and/or social rationale for intervention (e.g. market failures, distributional concerns, other justifications)? How does this issue link to related SDGs and targets? What are the main policy objectives?

• Tools of Intervention

What policies or instruments are currently in place? How do these policies work (taxation, regulation, spending, partnerships, etc.)? What are the observed outcomes? Are there unintended consequences or distributional effects?

• *Recommendations

Your brief must include policy option(s) or approaches that could address the issue. Explain why you recommend a particular policy or approach (note: There may be several policy options, but keep your brief focused on one or two that you consider the most effective. You can briefly mention or footnote other possibilities).

In particular, based on your research, what changes or improvements would you recommend, and why? Should current policies be extended, replaced, or redesigned? What does research, theory, best practice, or international experience suggest? What are the likely outcomes? What are the implications for sustainability and inclusion – for specific SDGs (reference interlinkages between the SDGs impacted)?

Presentation and Evidence

Your brief should be concise, focused, and evidence-based. Include:

• Statistics and tables/graphs  (with clear sources)
• References to credible sources (policy reports, academic papers, statistics, etc.)
• A clear policy message suitable for a policymaker audience

All material must be based on existing knowledge and evidence, and all sources must be cited.

Word Count

The policy brief should be between 1,000 and 1,200 words.

A leeway of up to 10% above the 1,200 maximum (i.e. 1,320 words) is permitted before penalties apply.

The word count does not include the title, figures, tables, graphs, footnotes, in-text citations, or reference list.

Penalties for exceeding the limit:

• 10–20% over: grade reduced by one grade point
• 20–30% over: grade reduced by two grade points
• 30–40% over: grade reduced by three grade points
• Further excesses will continue to incur proportional penalties

Late Submission

In the absence of extenuating circumstances, a penalty is awarded.

Submission up to one week after due date: grade awarded reduced by one grade points . Submission up to two weeks after due date:  grade reduced by two grade points.

Submission more than two weeks after due date:  CONTACT ME  Ciara.whelan@ucd.ie

Avoiding Plagiarism

All submitted assignments are checked for plagiarism using plagiarism detection software. It is critical that you cite all sources appropriately (including any use of AI – see below for more details on this) .

• Before beginning your assignment, click on this link here for clarity on what is meant by plagiarism, along with the School of Economics plagiarism policy:  school_plag_pol21.pdf (ucd.ie)
• Check out Introduction – Academic Integrity – Referencing, Citation & Avoiding Plagiarism – LibGuides at UCD Library  for full information on these issues.

AI Policy

You may use AI tools to support background research, editing, or formatting. However, your submission must:

• Be written in your own words
• Reflect your own analysis and interpretation
• Be supported by credible research, data, and sources

Any use of AI must be explicitly acknowledged by including an AI Statement with your submission.

Assessment Grade

Grades will be awarded holistically, based on the overall quality of the policy brief. Each submission will be assessed according to the following broad criteria:

• Clarity and structure: Is the brief well-organised, concise, and easy to follow?
• Depth of analysis: Does it demonstrate a strong understanding of the issue, consider various perspectives and factors? Is it supported by relevant research and data?
• Use of evidence: Are data, references, and examples appropriately used to support the argument, and appropriately cited?
• Application of the policy analysis framework: Are the rationale, tools, outcomes, and recommendations clearly integrated?
• Policy insight and originality: Does the policy brief show independent thinking, and offer coherent, realistic, evidence-based recommendations?
• Presentation and professionalism: Is the brief presented in a clear, readable, and persuasive style suitable for a policymaker audience?

Final letter grades (A, B, C, D, etc.) will reflect overall achievement across these criteria, rather than individual component scores.