Contents

Executive Summary v

Chapter 1: Demographic Change – An Overview 1

1.1 Introduction 1

1.2 Demographic Trends and Evidence 1

1.3 Peak Population and Peak Child 3

1.4 Intergenerational Dynamics 9

1.5 Regional Variation 11

1.6 Conclusion 13

Chapter 2: Vision – Towards a Virtuous Cycle 14

2.1 Introduction 14

2.2 A Potential Vicious Cycle 15

2.3 Creating a Virtuous Cycle 16

2.4 Population Growth and Planetary Boundaries 19

2.5 A Virtuous Cycle: A Shared Island Perspective? 20

2.6 Conclusion 20

Chapter 3: Reinforcing Ireland’s Virtuous Demographic Cycle – Six Levers 21

3.1 Introduction 21

3.2 Lever One: Fiscal Preparedness 22

3.3 Lever Two: Strategic Family Support Policies 23

3.4 Lever Three: Proactive Migration 24

3.5 Lever Four: Better Work and Increased Participation 25

3.6 Lever Five: Healthcare and Healthy Ageing 25

3.7 Lever Six: Balanced Regional Development 27

3.8 Conclusion 29

Chapter 4: Conclusions 31

Bibliography 34