In common with Italy and other Southern European countries, Ireland experienced late and uneven industrial development. State welfare services developed at a later stage than in other European countries and the economic downturn of the 1970s struck while they were still under construction. During the late 1980s and early 1990s, severe crises in both Ireland and Italy formed the backdrop to the rationalisation of public services, involving the implementation of what might be described as modified neo-liberal solutions via tripartite agreements between the state, employers and unions. This book...