Uncertainty remains elevated with regards to the global economic outlook. The effects of geopolitical tensions, protectionism, an unpredictable US administration, and the pace of change in AI are among the issues challenging economic forecasters. In the first edition of IIEA Insights in the new year, Alan Barrett of the ESRI and Daniel Kral of Oxford Economics will discuss the macroeconomic outlook, while Michelle Norris of UCD will weigh up the prospects for housing supply and demand in 2026.

Alan Barrett is a Research Professor at the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). He previously served as CEO of the ESRI between 2015 and 2025, and in a variety of academic roles and as an economist in the Department of Finance. He contributes to the ESRI’s economic forecasts.

Daniel Kral is a Lead Economist within the macroeconomics forecasting division of Oxford Economics. He joined Oxford Economics in April 2021. He leads the coverage of the Nordic region and produces thematic research on the Eurozone. Before Oxford Economics, he worked at IHS Markit (now part of S&P Global) in the European macroeconomics team.

Michelle Norris is Professor at School of Applied Social Science and Director of the Geary Institute for Public Policy, both centred at University College Dublin. She is also a committee member of the Land Development Agency, the National  Economic and Social Council and the Housing Finance Agency. She was previously the director of the Centre for Housing Research.