A round-up of recent media appearances from colleagues across the School of Social Sciences and Philosophy, covering work featured between 30 March 2026 and 20 May 2026.
Record Rent Surge Follows Introduction of New Tenancy Rules
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) on The Irish Times, The Journal.ie, RTÉ website, RTÉ Radio 1 Morning Ireland, Irish Independent, Irish Examiner, 20 May 2026
Prof Lyons's DAFT Rental Report Q1 2026 finds that the recent change to rent control rules coincided with the largest quarterly increase in market rents recorded in over 25 years.
Should the 52% Marginal Tax Rate Be Cut?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on Newstalk, Claire Byrne Show, 11 May 2026
Provided expert comment discussing whether the 52% marginal tax rate should be reduced.
Is It Time to Cut the Marginal Tax Rate for High Earners?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime, 12 May 2026
Discussed arguments for and against cutting the marginal tax rate for higher earners.
Does Challenging Central Bank Independence Carry Real Risks?
Dr Davide Romelli (Economics) in the Financial Times, 12 May 2026
An article drawing on Dr Romelli's research argues that Donald Trump is taking significant risks with his challenges to the independence of the US Federal Reserve.
Would a New Government Savings Scheme Favour the Wealthy?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on The Irish Times, Irish Independent, The Journal, 6 May 2026
Warned the Oireachtas committee that the savings scheme should be delayed rather than poorly designed, citing historical examples of rushed tax legislation with adverse outcomes.
Read the Irish Independent article
Rushed Savings Legislation Risks Repeating Mistakes of the Past
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) in The Irish Times, 6 May 2026
Warned the Oireachtas committee that the savings scheme should be delayed rather than poorly designed, citing historical examples of rushed tax legislation with adverse outcomes.
Is There an Urban and Rural Divide in Ireland?
Prof Emeritus Alan Matthews, School of Social Sciences and Philosophy on RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime, 21 April 2026
Provided expert comment on a radio discussion examining whether a significant divide exists between urban and rural Ireland.
How Does Social Disadvantage Play Out in Dublin's South West Inner City?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on RTÉ Radio 1 Today with David McCullagh, Newstalk Claire Byrne Show, Irish Times, 23–26 April 2026
Discussed his socioeconomic analysis of Dublin's south west inner city, which found that crime rates and drug deaths in the area are twice the national average and that targeted investment is needed.
Listen to the Newstalk interview
Should the Hospitality VAT Rate Cut Be Postponed?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on RTÉ Radio 1 Drivetime, 25 March 2026
Was a radio guest discussing whether the pending cut to the hospitality VAT rate should be delayed.
Is the Irish Housing Market Finally Cooling?
Prof Ronan Lyons (Economics) on The Irish Times, Irish Independent, Kildare Now, Echo Live, 25–26 March 2026
Prof Lyons's Daft.ie Report found that while price pressures persist, the Irish housing market may no longer be overheating, with annual price growth of 3.7%.
Read the Irish Independent article
What Does Reform of Central Bank Governance Really Mean?
Dr Davide Romelli (Economics) in the Financial Times, 26 March 2026
Provided expert analysis on central bank governance reform in an article examining recent developments in the field.
How Can the AI Revolution Be Made More Human-Centric?
Prof Taha Yasseri (Sociology) on Workday Future of Work Podcast, 26 March 2026
Prof Yasseri was a podcast guest discussing how to make the ongoing AI revolution more human-centred, drawing on his research expertise.
What Role Can a New Stock Market Scheme Play for Irish Savers?
Dr Barra Roantree (Economics) on RTÉ Radio 1 Morning Ireland, 30 March 2026
Outlined his views on a new stock market investment scheme for savers being developed by the Department of Finance.