Effects of EU enlargement on Ireland Flashcards
Intro
The EU was founded in 1950 as the European Coal and Steel Community. It was formed after WW2 to minimise conflict and ensure economic success
Ireland and the EU
Ireland joined the EU in 1973 when it was known as the European Economic Community.
There have been positive and negative societal/cultural and economic implications of Ireland being in the EU.
Positives on Economy
Irelands economy relied heavily on Agriculture prior to joining the EU.
EU funding and direct foreign investment have developed Irelands Economy.
During the Celtic Tiger there was a labour shortage of 420,000 workers.
Unemployment was one of Europe’s lowest at 4.5%.
This was attractive to migrant workers from other EU countries who helped fill labour shortages.
Their taxes contributed to services like Healthcare and Education.
Negatives to economy
A negative on relying on foreign investment is that the reliance on global markets makes Irelands economy vulnerable to economic downturns.
Since the 2008 recession, workers have benefitted from visa-free travel from other EU states.
This means that when work was no longer available, people could move to other EU countries to find employment.
By 2012, Irelands unemployment reached 14.8%.
The unemployment rose again during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Foreign nationals make up 15% of Irelands workforce, but there are major drawbacks.
In 2018, €785 million was sent abroad in remittance
Positive Societal/Cultural implication
A positive social implication of Ireland joining the EU was that Ireland has become a multicultural society.
In 2019, 12.% of the population were foreign nationals.
20.6% of those were Polish.
Emigration helps reduces the pressure of unemployment.
In 2018, 200,00 people emigrated to Ireland, most of whom were 18-30 years only and educated.
Negative societal/Cultural implication
A negative societal implication of Ireland joining the EU is the concerns about racism towards certain groups.
Many small minorities of Anti-Foreign groups organise protests against foreign nationals.
Areas of Limerick and Dublin are experiencing Social Stratification which can lead to segregation.
