On Tuesday 18 January, Philip McDonagh looked at the subject of “Northern Ireland – Subvention City Or Still A Special Case?”

What mechanisms determine the level of public expenditure here? Are they linked to need? Why is public expenditure so high? What choices does the NI Executive have? Should we do more to pay our way? What is the role of the Voluntary sector? Can the Big Society, Welfare Reforms or even the next generation help us through? What about those in need?

You can also download the audio of the talk and discussion – though you’ll miss the context of reading the slides in the video above.