Statistical and Social Inquiry Society of Ireland

[2] The Society was founded in Dublin in 1847 by a group of Irish academics, clergymen, aristocrats and politicians.

From its establishment until the 1920s the overwhelming majority of members were Unionists of the Anglo-Irish class, who were, generally speaking, more sympathetic to the British administration in Ireland than with the Irish Home Rule movement.

[4] As a result, most papers read to the Society until at least 1870 were in favour of assimilating the laws and practices in Ireland to those applying in England and Wales.

During the nineteenth century it frequently provided an important platform for people who were concerned about major social problems, such as the care of orphans and neglected children.

[7] The Journal of the Society has provided one of the few opportunities to penetrate the official anonymity of the Irish public service; senior civil servants have spoken more freely on crucial aspects of government policy at SSISI meetings than in any other public forum.