This study makes a reasoned case for the recognition of social and economic rights in the Irish Constitution. It is particularly timely given the heightened discussion on social and economic values of Irish society in the wake of the current recession. It draws on the continuous development of theory and practice internationally in recent decades to ground the case for endowing social rights with constitutional and juridical status on the same footing as traditional civil and political rights.
It examines issues of relevance to legal and constitutional experts, politicians, administrators, trade unionists, religious bodies, social policy analysts, civil society groups especially those concerned with health and housing, political scientists, and the general public. A feature of the study is its emphasis on integrating economic considerations into the general analytical legal discussion. The linkage between costs, resources, and rights adjudication is kept to the fore throughout. It analyses the costs incurred in vindicating rights, and reappraises in depth the constitutional principle of the taxation sovereignty of the Irish legislature and executive in the light of a radically changed international economic and political context.
“Jerome Connolly presents a comprehensive, pioneering case…his focus is Ireland, but the breadth of his analysis is truly global…This is not an anthem for the faithful but rather an invitation to open, rational dialogue which seeks to convince through the strength of the empirical evidence and the logic of its analysis. The book is an important contribution to contemporary constitutional debate. Its originality, wisdom and sheer fair-mindedness combine to make a compelling case.”
William Binchy
Former Regius Professor of Laws, Trinity College Dublin
Unfinished Business 