Current Events
According to the BBC, about 85% of Ireland’s population is Roman Catholic and hence abortion is often viewed as immoral by civilians. It is only legal when a pregnancy is a severe threat to the mother’s health. However, recent publications in the Irish Times and other media sources in the country reveal that abortion is increasingly debated as a larger population of proponents voice their opinions on the matter of legalizing it. In terms of economic news, Ireland has been a dark horse in the past few years as they recover from the 2008 - 2009 economic crisis. After a period of intense downfall, they have been regaining momentum and many studies are finding that it is wise to make investments there. The Irish Times reports that the United States and Ireland have established a thriving relationship, as Ireland employees over 82,000 Americans.
Attempts to Spur Economic Growth
The Irish government has attempted to increase industrial efficiency, reduce unemployment rates, and make agriculture more prosperous through numerous agencies. They have designed the IDA (Industrial Development Authority) to attract foreign investment by ensuring a 10% maximum corporation tax rate, export-risk guarantee programs, ready built factories, etc. Following the economic crisis of 2008 - 2009, they created the National Recovery Plan 2011 - 2014 to lower deficit, cut public expenditures, and more (Gale: Global Issues in Context). Deficit simply refers to the national debt. Additionally, tax concessions and advisory services are offered to spur economic activity and growth. Another agency formed by the Irish government dedicated to this cause is the Industrial Credit Company.
According to the BBC, about 85% of Ireland’s population is Roman Catholic and hence abortion is often viewed as immoral by civilians. It is only legal when a pregnancy is a severe threat to the mother’s health. However, recent publications in the Irish Times and other media sources in the country reveal that abortion is increasingly debated as a larger population of proponents voice their opinions on the matter of legalizing it. In terms of economic news, Ireland has been a dark horse in the past few years as they recover from the 2008 - 2009 economic crisis. After a period of intense downfall, they have been regaining momentum and many studies are finding that it is wise to make investments there. The Irish Times reports that the United States and Ireland have established a thriving relationship, as Ireland employees over 82,000 Americans.
Attempts to Spur Economic Growth
The Irish government has attempted to increase industrial efficiency, reduce unemployment rates, and make agriculture more prosperous through numerous agencies. They have designed the IDA (Industrial Development Authority) to attract foreign investment by ensuring a 10% maximum corporation tax rate, export-risk guarantee programs, ready built factories, etc. Following the economic crisis of 2008 - 2009, they created the National Recovery Plan 2011 - 2014 to lower deficit, cut public expenditures, and more (Gale: Global Issues in Context). Deficit simply refers to the national debt. Additionally, tax concessions and advisory services are offered to spur economic activity and growth. Another agency formed by the Irish government dedicated to this cause is the Industrial Credit Company.