Research Strategy

In order to support the Department's data-driven informed decisions, the focus is on four main outcomes:

• Build, assess and apply the internal evidence base
• Capture and demonstrate impact
• Empower and embed an internal culture of measurement
• Engage and inform the wider policy system

The research strategies below show how these will be achieved and the projects and programmes that will be examined each year.

In support of this, the Department has research agreements with both the Economic and Social Policy Research Institute (ESRI) and the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES) and supports research reports as needed or necessary.

ESRI Joint Research Agreement

From 2019 to 2023, the Department had a joint research agreement with the Economic and Social Policy Research Institute. Under this agreement the ESRI undertook research and analysis which helped inform policy making decisions.

• Developing a framework to monitor rural development policy in Ireland: Opportunities and challenges ESRI, January 2024
• Practical guide to monitoring rural development policy in Ireland: Opportunities and challenges ESRI, January 2024
• Review of international approaches to evaluating rural and community development investment and supports ESRI, April 2021

Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES)

The Department is partnered with the Irish Government Economic and Evaluation Service (IGEES). For example, through contribution of outputs to the IGEES work programme and participation in the IGEES advisory groups.

The Public Spending Code (PSC) is a set of rules and procedures that apply to ensure value for money for public services. This includes that a Quality Assurance Process is undertaken to report on how Departments and their agencies are meeting their PSC obligations.

Quality Assurance Reports

• Quality Assurance Process Report: Review of 2019 Expenditure, Department of Rural and Community Development, December 2020.