Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland

The Statistical and Social Inquiry Society, Ireland is an important place in the country’s study of economy. From its foundation in 1847 the Society has been analyzing the major changes in population, employment, legal and administrative systems and social services. The 150 years since the Society's foundation span the closing years of the famine, the revolution of post-famine society, the years when the land investing was resolved, and the entire history of the independent Irish state. The Society's set up a constitution precluded with discussions of many topics that related to politics or religion. During its early years the rebuilding agenda was extensive, it would delve into matters like modifications in land law, rebuilding the poor law, more humane therapy for needy children and promoting temperance. In many aspects the Society has also been an Irish variant of the many social movements most papers of the Society till 1870 were in favor of incorporating the laws and proceedings in Ireland to those applying in England and Wales. Senior civil servants were popular speakers at its meetings drafting policy in public forum. The most significant papers in this regard were undoubtedly given during the late 1940s and the 1950s. Through these meetings the country’s the then key ideas evolved that were put forth in the 1958 publication, Economic Development. For many civil servants the Society has provided the only open platform where they could discuss their work openly with multiple affiliations like-academics, businessmen and interested associates of the general civil. However there were undoubtedly limits to this freedom of speech. The Society today is dominated by statistically-minded economists and sociologists, with many of them employed in the public service and private business. However, academic members have always been prominent in the Society. It has provided the best platform for people from outside the universities to involve here who are interested in research.