Ireland - 96.08
3
Faring a lot better than their northern neighbor
Ireland’s rapid recovery and development could be called an economic miracle. The tax haven status that helped propel them to where they are today has been removed, as Ireland increased its corporate tax rate to 15%. Ireland struggles with some corruption issues, namely issues with bribery in obtaining permits and licenses. Ireland recently repealed its hate speech laws
Human Rights - 100
Ireland has fully abolished the death penalty. Some instances were reported of immigration detainees being held with convicts. Ireland guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights and abortion is legal to twelve weeks.
Democracy - 98
Ireland’s largely ceremonial president is directly elected, while the Taoiseach is chosen by the Dail Eireann and approved by the president. The Dail is directly elected and elections are managed freely and fairly with a strong multi-party system.
Freedom - 91
Ireland recently repealed its hate speech laws, leaving only laws restricting credible threats of violence on the books. Ireland is currently working to repeal unused criminal defamation laws. The catholic church receives preferential treatment from the government, running 90% of schools in the country. Drug use is not illegal and drug possession for personal use is punishable only by a small fine. The law does make a distinction between possession for personal use and possession with the intent to distribute, which is punishable by jail time. Marijuana is legal for medicinal purposes. Ireland shall issue gun ownership permits for semi-automatic .22LR and .177 semi-auto rimfire handguns and rifles, with other types of guns legal under restriction.
Economy - 100
No Irish live below the international poverty line and only 6.7% live below the national poverty line. Ireland’s unemployment rate is 5.92%. Ireland has some of the lowest economic disparity in the world. Ireland’s minimum wage is $1869 per month. Ireland has a very strong universal healthcare system, which provides free, high-quality healthcare to all EU citizens and “ordinary residents” (those who can prove residence for over 365 days). Ireland’s economy grew 3.4% in 2020 and 5.6% in 2019.
Health - 98
Ireland’s life expectancy is 82 years and its infant mortality rate is just 0.28%. Ireland has an obesity rate of 25.3% and a malnourishment rate of 4%. Ireland’s capable universal healthcare system provides high-quality care to all citizens and “ordinary residents.” Some 99% of Irish have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 84
Building permits and public contracts are often difficult to obtain without bribery in Ireland, and Irish police have been involved in several high-profile corruption scandals in recent history. The government has recently been making strides in its anti-corruption initiatives and has been cracking down on corruption.
Competency - 95
Ireland has failed to repeal or use unenforced laws.
Future - 95
The Irish economy has been growing faster than that of almost any other developed country in the world. Ireland’s transition away from making money as a tax haven puts their future somewhat into question but Ireland’s finance industry looks strong in the face of it.
Actions Abroad - 90
Ireland recently raised its corporate tax rate to 15%, removing its status as a tax haven. Ireland gives large amounts of foreign aid to several countries in Africa, namely Uganda, which was recently involved in a scandal surrounding the misappropriation of Irish foreign aid by government officials. Ireland does not recognize the State of Palestine but provides them with large amounts of foreign aid. Ireland is generally isolationist and maintains good relations with most countries.