The flexicurity system in Ireland

Abstract

This article discusses the implementation of the flexicurity system in Ireland. As the percentage of dependent employees in temporary employment in Ireland grew from 5.3% in 2002 to 10.2% in 2012, it is clear that fl exible working relationships are on the increase. This development in flexibility should be balanced by the creation of modern forms of security for workers. Therefore the paper examines the provisions for developing employment security, i.e. active labour market policies and income security in Ireland. In highlighting the deficiencies of the Irish provisions, the paper exposes some of the difficulties of achieving worker security under the flexicurity system.