Jim Daly (Cork South West, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

332. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform if his Department will consider the establishment of a dedicated behavioural insights group, similar to those in the UK, within his Department. [28576/16]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

In January 2016, it was agreed that the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform, in its remit as the lead Department for the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES), would take the policy lead in bringing a more coherent, planned and informed approach to the application of Behavioural Insights/Economics in the Irish public service. 

My Department is progressing work on Behavioural Economics in a number of areas. The DPER IGEES Unit has also been providing assistance and guidance to Departments undertaking or considering projects using Behavioural Economic insights, and has met with a wide range of stakeholders to discuss the application of Behavioural Economics in Irish policy-making. The IGEES Unit has also been working on developing toolkits and templates to help Departments apply Behavioural Economics in their own policy areas.

The DPER IGEES Unit has been working on carrying out a small number of pilot trials using Behavioural Economics, such as an ongoing randomised control trial with the Department of Social Protection to improve attendance rates at jobseekers' meetings.

My Department previously published a paper on Behavioural Economics in 2014, setting out an introduction to behavioural insights and the potential applications in Irish policy.  This paper is available on the website of the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service.