Public policy towards the sale of state assets in troubled times: Lessons from the Irish experience

Paul Gorecki, Sean Lyons and Richard Tol

Utilities Policy, 2011, vol. 19, issue 3, 193-201

Abstract: The sale of state assets, both tangible (e.g. commercial firms) and intangible (e.g. radio spectrum), can address budgetary shortfalls. However, drawing on the Irish experience to inform this important issue, it becomes clear that much more is involved in selling state assets in electricity, gas, and transport than ranking such assets by value. Wider public policy considerations need to be taken into account in deciding what to sell and under what conditions. The paper outlines how these wider issues, relating to competition and regulation, can be dealt with so that the sale of state assets will enhance societal welfare.

Keywords: Privatisation; Regulation; Ireland; State assets (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: H27 L32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2011
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (6)

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Working Paper: Public Policy Towards the Sale of State Assets in Troubled Times: Lessons from the Irish Experience (2010)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:juipol:v:19:y:2011:i:3:p:193-201

DOI: 10.1016/j.jup.2011.05.004

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