History of Ireland

	Revision 33 . . November 21, 2001 11:40 am by SJK
	Revision 32 . . November 20, 2001 7:12 am by Eob [Added areas.]
	Revision 31 . . November 20, 2001 7:04 am by Eob [Replaced "confusingly" with an explanation of why "Ireland" can mean either the isand of Ireland or the Republic of Ireland. (Irish nationalist aspirations to a united Ireland)]
	Revision 30 . . (edit) October 14, 2001 10:07 pm by (logged).122.201.xxx [Inserted word 'as' before 'Ulster']

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Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with growth averaging a robust 9% in 1995-99. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry, which accounts for 39% of GDP and about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's robust growth, the economy is also benefiting from a rise in consumer spending and recovery in both construction and business investment. Over the past decade, the Irish government has implemented a series of national economic programs designed to curb inflation, reduce government spending, and promote foreign investment. The unemployment rate has been halved; job creation remains a primary concern of government policy. Recent efforts have concentrated on improving workers' qualifications and the education system. Ireland joined in launching the euro currency system in January 1999 along with 10 other EU nations.

Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy with growth averaging a robust 9% in 1995-99. Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry, which accounts for 39% of GDP and about 80% of exports and employs 28% of the labor force. Although exports remain the primary engine for Ireland's robust growth, the economy is also benefiting from a rise in consumer spending and recovery in both construction and business investment. Over the past decade, the Irish government has implemented a series of national economic programs designed to curb inflation, reduce government spending, and promote foreign investment. The unemployment rate has been halved; job creation remains a primary concern of government policy. Recent efforts have concentrated on improving workers' qualifications and the education system. Ireland joined in launching the euro currency in January 1999 along with 10 other EU nations.

Added: 7a8,9

See also Taoiseach, President of Ireland