The Big Picture

In recent years Ireland's Celtic Tiger economy has attracted considerable attention. The country's ability to attract investment with its highly educated and motivated workforce has become a case study for other aspiring nations. A number of key factors and policy decisions have created the right conditions for this economic growth:

• Stable public finances
• Sustained and significant investment in education
• Wage moderation through social partnership
• Precise targeting of overseas industries and market sectors
• Corporation tax of 12.5%
• Membership of the European Monetary Union
• Rapid expansion of labour force through population growth and increased participation