Topic 33 Ireland and the EU

Question 1

What is the European Council of Minister?

Answer 1

1) The European Council of Ministers is the most powerful group in the EU. The council is made up of 27 government ministers, one from each member state. All legislation proposed by the European Commission must be agreed by the council before it becomes law. The heads of government meet twice a year at EU summits (meetings). This is called the Council of Europe. It is where decisions about future EU policy are made.

Question 2

What is the European court of Auditors?

Answer 2

5) The European Court of Auditors makes sure that EU money is collected and then used in an appropriate and effective way so that they get the best value for money. Each year the court writes a report on how well the EU has used and managed its budget.

Question 3

What is the European court of human rights?

Answer 3

6) The European Court of Human Rights hears cases where a member state is accused of breaching the human, civil or political rights of any citizen as laid down by the EU.

Question 4

List 2 benefits of EU membership relating to the economy

Answer 4

• Irish firms have more customers to sell to in the Single European market, which is good for profits.
• There are no additional taxes on Irish goods sold in the EU.
• Ireland has received large amounts of money in the form of grants from the EU, which has helped Irish infrastructure, agriculture and education.

Question 5

List 2 of the social benefits of the EU

Answer 5

• Irish people can live, study and work in any of the other member states without restriction.
• The Eu has passed many laws that give all EU citizens’ rights in areas such as consumer protection, health and safety and employment rights.
• Ireland has received over €7 billion in finance from the European Structural Fund since joining the EU.

Question 6

List 2 challenges of the EU relating to the economy

Answer 6

• All firms can operate their business in Ireland in competition with Irish businesses. This can result in some Irish firms closing down because they are unable to compete. This could lead to unemployment in Ireland.
• Goods and services from outside the EU will be more expensive for Irish people to buy due to the addition of taxes on goods and services coming in from outside the EU free trade area.

Question 7

List 2 challenges of the EU relating to the social aspect

Answer 7

• Some smaller nations can feel isolated as part of the bigger European Union with many larger states.
• The wealth of EU countries has meant that Europe has become a popular place for illegal immigrants to travel to in order to try and get asylum. This has put a strain on the EU.

Question 8

List the advantages of the single currency €

Answer 8

• No exchange rate changes
• The cost of doing business is reduced.
• Increased sales and profits
• Greater choice for consumers

Question 9

The implications for Irish business of the UK leaving the EU include

Answer 9

• Exports to the UK could increase in price, as they may become subject to customs duties.
• Irish firms that rely on the UK for their sales, will be hardest hit and need to source alternative markets.
• Doing business with the UK will become more complicated as new customs laws are introduced.
• The freedom of movement enjoyed by Irish people, to the UK may be impacted.