Social Justice Ireland’s annual Public Policy Conference will be held in Croke Park Conference Centre on Tuesday, July 3, 2012 from 9.30am to 4.45pm and will address the issue of the future of the European Social Model. One of the main papers at this conference will be presented by one of the world’s best known advocates of Basic Income, Philippe Van Parijs.  Philippe is a Belgian philosopher and political economist who has written extensively over the past quarter century on the need for a Basic Income system. At this conference he will address the topic: Basic Income in a Globalised Economy and will pay special attention to the Eurozone.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of the Beveridge Report on which much of the European Social model was developed following World War II. The value and viability of this model has been questioned in recent years. Its viability has been under much scrutiny in the context of the current economic and social crisis. Many questions have been raised concerning how it can be financed with the current focus on fiscal tightening.

A range of speakers from Ireland and abroad, including Philippe, will address these questions at this conference and identify viable responses. The day will also include a ’round-table’ of leading politicians representing Government and Opposition who will set out their positions on these issues. There will be ample time for those attending to engage with the speakers.

Economic Challenges: Dr Ide Kearney, ESRI

Social Challenges: Professor Tony Fahey, UCD

Addressing Challenges on Income: Professor Philippe van Parijs, University of Louvain

Addressing Challenges on Services: Anna Coote, New Economics Foundation

Pathways for Ireland: Seán Healy, Brigid Reynolds, Michelle Murphy, Social Justice Ireland

Roundtable Discussion: The final part of the conference will be a roundtable discussion involving Government and Opposition T.D.’s.

Date: Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012

Venue: Croke Park Conference Centre, Dublin 1, Ireland

Conference: 9.30am – 4.45pm (Registration from 9.15am)

Conference Fee*: Members of Social Justice Ireland– €50; Non-members – €75

(Conference fee includes lunch, teas/coffees and a copy of the book containing the conference papers which will be published on day of conference.)

*Discounted rates available for students, those who are unemployed and OAPs – please contact us by email secretary@socialjustice.ie or by phone  01-2130724  for details.

Advance booking is essential.  To book online please go to https://socialjustice.ie/content/social-policy-conference-2012-address-european-social-model

To book via post please complete and return the application form with fee to: Social Justice Ireland, Arena House, Arena Road, Sandyford, Dublin 18.