Alternative Social Security Scenarios: A Response to 'Social Security in a Unified Ireland' by Mike Tomlinson

This research is both welcome and important, as the costs of social security provision in a reunified Ireland will be a central issue for debate in the run-up to any future border poll on constitutional change. The social welfare system has immediate implications for individuals and households through a range of mechanisms including, for example, state pensions, child benefit, unemployment assistance and in-work benefits as well as various types of tax reliefs and credits. Any changes arising to social security entitlements because of constitutional change will be of concern to most voters. Furthermore, social welfare payments account for a large proportion of total public spending and any changes arising from a transition to unity may have implications for future taxation, which will also be an important component in the discussion.