The Irish Economy, 2007-2012.
The title of this essay, “Ireland’s great recession,” refers to the Irish economy from 2007-2012. From my research into this essay, I found that the Irish economy of this period could be referred to as “The Great Depression.” There are parallel similarities to the Irish economy now as experienced in America in the 1920’s. This essay will examine what a recession is, why Ireland is in a recession, the effects and face of the recession, and my own personal views on the crisis.
Not a day goes by when you don’t hear stories of “doom and gloom” in relation to Ireland’s economic state of affairs. Everybody you talk to has someone belonging to them or knows someone who has had to emigrate. Australia has replaced America as the land of hope and dreams, as thousands flock our shores in search of a better life. Within the country recession has not only resulted in mass emigration. Internally people are struggling to repay their mortgages because of the housing collapse. Wages have been cut and taxes have been increased. Disposable income for many a non-entity.
Ireland was the first EU country to declare itself officially in recession in August 2008. We are the second EU country to have a structural adjustment programme imposed by the IMF/ECB/EU, known as ‘the Troika’. The turnaround of the Irish economy has been dramatic - from one with the highest levels of GDP and employment growth to among those with the highest unemployment, emigration and debt levels across the EU - in the space of just a few short years.
The recession has affected everybody, young and old. We are in a time where we have to cut spending in order to meet our EU obligations. The financial crisis that sparked the recession and collapse of our banking system is the most serious problem that we face.
The Calm before the Storm- The Celtic Tiger Years (1995-2007)
“The Celtic Tiger” was a term used to describe the boom years which our