The European Dimension

Question 1

Explain Ireland’s transition from nation state to EU member state.

Answer 1

Sovereignty unleashed or inevitably constrained?

• British influence
• British Commonwealth (external association) until 1949
• Sterling area till 1979 (EMS)
• Abject economic/trade dependence
• Ireland as a small state (small open economy, poster child of globalisation)

Question 2

What are the characteristics of the European Union ?

Answer 2

27 member states

• 66% of population in 5 largest states
  World’s largest single market
  Accounts for 16% of total world trade (but falling)
• Multi-level governance
• Neither a state nor a traditional international organization - liminal political construct or polity
• Collective law-based decision-making with democratic controls
  (collective endeavours: e.g. market integration, common currency, foreign policy cooperation, shared legal system, joint institutions)
• Mash-up of formal inter state diplomacy and democratic polity

Question 3

What are the impacts of EU membership on Ireland ?

Answer 3

• Ireland’s application necessitated by that of the UK (as was Denmark’s)
• But more than seeking to be in tandem with the UK; reduce dependency on the UK – Irish request submitted first
• UK’s first EEC referendum, June 1975; Ireland made clear that it would not leave
• EU’s ‘first poor member state’ (GDP = 64% of EEC average in 1972)
  CAP, Structural Funds, Regional Funds. Cohesion Funds, policy derogations
• Membership results in:
  higher rate of economic growth; big increase in FDI; increased farm incomes (CAP)

By 2008, Irish GDP = 150% of EU average

Also an impact on social modernization? Cosmopolitanisation?

Question 4

How are Irish voters influenced by the EU membership of Ireland? #1

Answer 4

REFERENDUMS

• 1972 referendum (accession)
• EU law reigns supreme – legal references to ECJ
• SEA, 1987 and Crotty Judgement

Question 5

How are Irish voters influenced by the EU membership of Ireland? #2

Answer 5

Public opinion: big dip in positive opinions and rise in negative opinions between 2011-2013 - economic crisis

Question 6

What is the purpose of EP Party groups ?

Answer 6

• Fine Gael: European People’s Party (5)
• Sinn Féin: European United Left/Nordic Green Left (1)
• Fianna Fáil: Renew Europe (2)
• Green Party: Greens/European Free Alliance (2)
• Independents 4 Change: European United Left/Nordic Green Left (2)
• Luke Ming Flanagan: European United Left/Nordic Green Left (1)

Two additional seats (post-Brexit)

• Dublin (Barry Andrews, Fianna Fáil)
• South (Deirdre Clune, Fine Gael)

Question 7

How does the Irish government interact with the EU ?

Answer 7

1. Irish government sends nominees to:

• European Commission
• European Court of Justice
• Other positions (e.g. Board of the European Central Bank)

2. Irish Votes at the Council of Ministers (QMV)
   - double majority
   - 55% of member states in favour (i.e. 15/27)
   - Supported by member states representing at least 65% of total EU population
3. Irish Permanent Representation (COREPER)

Largest diplomatic mission

• 3 ambassadorial level appointees (Permanent Representative; Deputy Permanent Representative; Political & Security Committee Representative)
• 80+ staff

Question 8

How does its status with the EU influence Irish public policy ?

Answer 8

1. Financial benefits/costs

From net beneficiary to net contributor (esp. post-Brexit)

2. Influence over policy process

• Europeanization (uploading, downloading and cross-loading)
• Agriculture; Environment
• Budgetary control (Fiscal Treaty)
• Constraint and Enabler

Question 9

What is the first instance of Irish strategic positioning concerning the EU ?

Answer 9

Early years (1970s-80s): Focus on economic benefits

Utilitarian focus - > positive (not much use of its veto – startling when used)

• Being ‘other’ than the UK – Use of French by Irish diplomats on accession
• Viewed the Commission as a protector of small states; rule of law; supported EP direct elections; Eurozone
• 1996 Government White Paper on Irish Foreign Policy: ‘see the EU …as an integral part of our future’

Question 10

What is the second instance of Irish strategic positioning concerning the EU ?

Answer 10

Celtic tiger years (late 1990s-2000s): Ireland’s skeptical phase?

• FF/PD coalition
• Fast economic growth
• Ministerial speeches in 2000s: ‘geographically closer’ to Berlin but ‘spiritually closer’ to Boston
• Referendum defeats (Nice 2001; Lisbon 2008)

Question 11

What is the third instance of Irish strategic positioning concerning the EU ?

Answer 11

Troika period (Nov 2010-Dec 2013): no longer the ‘poster child’

• From ‘member state’ to ‘programme country’
• Sept 2008: Irish (unilateral) blanket guarantee of Irish banks
• Rating agencies downgrade Ireland; ECB bankrolling Irish state support of banks; ECB pressure on Irish government to enter programme
• Troika conditions: downsizing and reorganization of banks; fiscal correction; structural reforms
• Consequences: economic costs (bank bailout cost €64bn); political turmoil; but attitudes to EU?

Question 12

What is the fourth instance of Irish strategic positioning concerning the EU ?

Answer 12

Brexit and beyond (2016–): more positive engagement, but with limits

• Adjusting post-Brexit

Broadening and deepening ministerial and diplomatic contacts

A small Northern state and net contributor (‘Hanseatic League’)

• What kind of ‘EU’?

Varadkar’s speech to the EP (Jan 2018) – ‘share the vision’ for further integration

Pro enlargement

Willingness to contribute more to budget, limited/problematic defence engagement

Support completion of digital single market

• Which form of political economy?

Ireland’s low corporate tax (Ruari Quinn) Irish veto

Pascal’s compromise – myth of veto?

Question 13

What are the professor’s conclusions concerning Ireland and the EU ?

Answer 13

1. Constrained sovereignty: UK -> EU
2. Pro-European voters, but contingently/pragmatically so?
3. Post-Brexit: developing our own voice within the EU
4. Whose Union to defend?

Question 14

How has Ireland’s international affairs evolved ?

Answer 14

Ireland’s formal engagement with international affairs commenced with its independence in 1921. Initially seeking its place among nations, Ireland’s most significant step towards modernity occurred with its entry into the European Union (EU) in 1973, reshaping its economic, social, and political landscape. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 15

What was the impact of the EU membership on Ireland ?

Answer 15

Irish membership in the EU has been transformative, impacting government, politics, and public life. Despite occasional challenges like the 2008 financial crash, Ireland’s commitment to European integration has remained steadfast, reflecting consistent public support despite occasional referendum setbacks. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 16

Discuss Ireland’s foreign policy.

Answer 16

Ireland’s foreign policy combines strategic interest pursuit with a commitment to historical values like self-determination, decolonization, and multilateralism. Participation in international organizations compensates for its lack of material power, offering increased visibility and influence.

Core to Irish foreign policy is military neutrality, stemming from historical and geopolitical factors. However, its nature has become contested, especially in the context of evolving European security dynamics. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 17

What were the economic and financial benefits of EU accession ?

Answer 17

Joining the EU in 1973 offered Ireland both economic and political advantages. Initially, economic gains were prominent, particularly through programs like the Common Agricultural Policy. The country’s alignment with EU policies was evident in its support for treaty changes.

Ireland has been a net beneficiary of EU funding, receiving substantial financial support over its membership. EU membership facilitated Ireland’s transition from one of the poorest to one of the richest EU members, significantly boosting its GDP per capita. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 18

How did Ireland adjust to EU membership politically ?

Answer 18

Ireland’s adjustment to EU membership was incremental but smooth, primarily driven by executive dominance. The integration of EU policies into Irish governance structures was facilitated by lead sectoral departments, maintaining the primacy of key government bodies. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 19

Describe Ireland’s economic change post-1987.

Answer 19

Ireland’s economic take-off within the EU was catalyzed by factors like the Tallaght Strategy, social partnership agreements, and EU subvention flows. Structural funds played a crucial role in developing physical infrastructure and attracting foreign direct investment. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 20

Discuss Ireland’s FDI post membership.

Answer 20

EU single market membership facilitated significant export diversification and attracted large-scale foreign direct investment. Ireland’s position as an export-oriented economy shifted from a UK focus to a more global orientation.
Challenges and Criticisms: Despite economic successes, challenges like the 2008 financial crisis underscored Ireland’s vulnerability to external shocks. Criticisms regarding corporate tax rates and neutrality have occasionally strained relations with EU partners. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 21

How does the EU’s institutional framework affect Ireland ?

Answer 21

Ireland’s membership in the EU subjects its legal and constitutional order to EU treaties and institutions. The EU’s heavily institutionalized framework encompasses a broad policy landscape, impacting various aspects of Irish society, politics, and the economy. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 22

Discuss Irish representation in EU institutions.

Answer 22

Irish representation in EU institutions, particularly the European Commission, reflects a balance between national interests and EU responsibilities. Commissioners are independent actors, upholding EU treaties on behalf of all European citizens, though they are nominated by member states. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 23

What were some challenges to EU membership in Ireland ?

Answer 23

1. Despite economic successes, challenges like the 2008 financial crisis underscored Ireland’s vulnerability to external shocks.

Ireland, heavily exposed to the global economic downturn, faced significant challenges post-2008 financial crash.

• Pressure from the ECB and other eurozone states led to Ireland seeking a €64 billion bailout from the EU and IMF in 2010.
• The bailout led to harsh budget cutbacks and tax rises, impacting the domestic economy adversely.

2. Criticisms regarding corporate tax rates and neutrality have occasionally strained relations with EU partners.

Irish citizens have generally demonstrated strong support for EU membership.

• However, attitudes fluctuated, influenced by factors such as economic crises and treaty referendums.
• Despite occasional dips, support for EU membership remained robust, especially compared to other member states.
• Recent polls indicate high levels of support for EU membership and cooperation on defense and security issues. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 24

Discuss the agricultural influence on Irish politics.

Answer 24

Agricultural Influence in Irish Politics:

Agricultural interests historically held significant sway in Irish politics.

• Examples include opposition to EU directives such as the Birds Directive (1979) and the Habitats Directive (1992), which imposed restrictions on private land use.
• The opposition was intense, particularly from farmers, while environmental interests supported these directives.
• Ireland faced legal action by the European Commission due to non-compliance with these directives, resulting in rulings against Ireland by the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 25

What was the EU’s influence on Ireland’s environmental politics ?

Answer 25

The EU ban on turf-cutting in Ireland sparked controversy, especially in rural areas.

• Ireland’s failure to implement this ban led to infringement proceedings by the European Commission in 2011.
• Irish government’s response included consultation, compensation, and a peatlands management strategy, but local opposition persisted. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 26

Discuss Ireland as a member of the Eurozone: what does that entail ?

Answer 26

Ireland aimed to be among the first eurozone members, requiring adherence to convergence criteria and prudent fiscal management.

• Low inflation was prioritized, necessitating limits on public spending.
• Coordination of macroeconomic policy at the EU level became crucial post the introduction of the euro.
• EU’s Stability and Growth Pact (SGP) aimed at ensuring sound public finances and fiscal policies, further constraining Irish macroeconomic policy. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 27

How do Irish institutions and EU governance cohabit ?

Answer 27

EU Governance and Irish Institutions: Irish governance features a strong executive, weak parliament, and effective public administration.

• Management of EU obligations primarily centralized in key government departments.
• The Irish Permanent Representation in Brussels plays a crucial role in EU policymaking and negotiations. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 28

What is the first EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 28

1. Brexit’s Economic Impact on Ireland: Before Brexit, the UK was a significant trading partner for Ireland, accounting for approximately 11% of its overall goods exports in 2021.

Brexit led to increased regulatory checks and customs controls on goods moving between Ireland and Britain, resulting in a decline in trade between the two countries.
Irish exporters faced challenges due to the complexity of using the UK land bridge, leading some to diversify away from the British market.

There was a marked reduction in total Irish imports from Britain post-Brexit, particularly affecting the food and beverages sector. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 29

What is the second EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 29

2. Brexit’s Political Implications for Ireland: The shared EU membership between Britain and Ireland facilitated cooperation and dialogue, particularly regarding the conflict in Northern Ireland.

Brexit threatened the open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, crucial for the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement’s all-island dimension.

The UK’s decision to pursue a hard form of Brexit complicated efforts to maintain an open border, leading to prolonged UK-EU withdrawal negotiations and the introduction of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

The introduction of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill by the British government strained British-Irish relations, challenging the trust built during the Northern Ireland peace process. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 30

What is the third EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 30

3. Ireland’s Response to Brexit:
   Ireland sought to strengthen bilateral relations with other EU member states post-Brexit, particularly with France and Germany, to protect its interests within the EU.

Membership in the “New Hanseatic League” signaled Ireland’s intent to play a more active role in European integration politics. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 31

What is the fourth EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 31

4. Security and Defense Policy Challenges:

Despite Ireland’s longstanding neutrality, there are debates about deepening cooperation in EU defense and security policy.

The EU’s response to security crises has been criticized for being slow and deliberative, highlighting the gap between EU capacities and expectations.

The Russian invasion of Ukraine prompted significant changes in defense policies among EU member states, including increased national defense spending and shifts in NATO membership positions. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 32

What is the fifth EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 32

5. Ireland’s Defense Preparedness:

The Russian naval exercises near Irish waters revealed weaknesses in Ireland’s defense capabilities, including naval vessels and manpower shortages.

In response, the Irish government announced a substantial increase in defense spending, influenced by the changing European security landscape post-Ukraine invasion. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 33

What is the sixth EU - Ireland emerging challenge ?

Answer 33

6. Ireland-China Relations:
   Ireland-China relations have primarily evolved through increased trade over the past 25 years, with significant growth in exports and the establishment of Chinese companies in Ireland.

EU policies towards China, particularly regarding human rights concerns, influence Ireland’s approach to Beijing.

Criticisms have been raised regarding Ireland’s reluctance to condemn China’s human rights abuses, potentially prioritizing economic interests over international human rights norms. (Murphy and O’Brennan, 2023)

Question 34

What is the treaty of accession ?

Answer 34

Signed in 1972, this marked a pivotal moment for Ireland, embedding the country in a transnational polity and transforming sovereignty through voluntary constraint within an agreed institutional framework. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 35

What factors influenced Ireland’s joining of the EU ?

Answer 35

Ireland’s decision to join the EU was influenced by geopolitics, political economy, state identity, and the EU’s appeal to European states. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 36

Discuss small state anchoring.

Answer 36

Geopolitical strategy is crucial for small states like Ireland due to vulnerability. Ireland’s openness to the world economy, illustrated by exports amounting to 121.6% of GDP in 2016, highlights its status as a small open economy.

EU membership provided Ireland with a crucial anchor for economic development, transforming its economic trajectory and offering opportunities for growth, particularly through initiatives like Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), and the European Social Fund (ESF). (Laffan, 2021)

Question 37

How did the EU membership lead to economic modernization ?

Answer 37

While EU membership facilitated economic modernization, Irish per capita incomes didn’t converge with EU core countries in the immediate aftermath of accession.

The 1980s posed challenges for Ireland’s economy, requiring adjustments to cope with increased competitiveness, which was addressed through strategies like social partnership. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 38

How did single market program impact Ireland ?

Answer 38

The 1992 Single Market program led to increased US investment in Ireland, fostering economic growth and job creation, ultimately leading to convergence with EU income levels. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 39

How did the 2008 economic crisis impact Ireland ?

Answer 39

The 2008 financial crisis transformed Ireland from a model EU member state to one facing economic turmoil, necessitating a bailout and leading to significant political and economic consequences. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 40

What is the EU’s role in Irish geopolitics ?

Answer 40

EU membership altered Ireland’s geopolitical position, providing an opportunity to lessen economic dependence on the UK and contributing to peace-building efforts in Northern Ireland. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 41

How did Brexit impact Ireland as a member of the EU ?

Answer 41

Brexit has disrupted the bilateral relationship between Ireland and the UK, posing economic, political, and social challenges that Ireland must navigate while reaffirming its commitment to EU membership. (Laffan, 2021)

Question 42

Discuss the Irish identity within the EU (3 points).

Answer 42

1. Irish Identity and European Integration: Ireland’s willingness to compromise independence for interdependence within the EU reflects a transformation in its state identity, despite historical nationalist sentiments (Coakley, 2013).
2. Early European Policy: Ireland’s European policy, shaped by figures like Garret FitzGerald, emphasized cooperation and integration within the EU, distinguishing itself from the UK and Denmark (Halligan, 2000).
3. Strategic Positioning: Ireland strategically positioned itself within the EU by seeking to play a constructive role while differentiating from its colonial past and avoiding the perception of being solely a former colony (O’Brennan, 1975). (Laffan, 2021)

Question 43

How has the EU changed since the EU joined and how has Ireland changed within it ?

Answer 43

1. Brexit Impact: The Brexit referendum posed challenges to Ireland’s geopolitical positioning, prompting it to engage with EU institutions and member states to navigate the uncertainties and risks (Brexit, 2016).
2. Ireland faced challenges within the EU related to economic disparities, refugee crises, and concerns about the rule of law in some member states, which intersected with debates about the future of the EU (EU Challenges, 2017).
3. Repositioning in the EU - Ireland intensified its engagement with EU institutions and member states, positioning itself as a small northern member state and seeking alliances with like-minded states such as the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden (O’Donoghue, 2018). (Laffan, 2021)