MAKING HISTORY Ireland and the EEC (EU)


The Republic of Ireland applied to join the European Economic Community (EEC) in the early 1960s along with the United Kingdom and Denmark. President de Gaulle of France vetoed the British application so the Irish application fell as well.


However, once de Gaulle left power in France, the three countries applied again. Many people in Ireland wanted to join the EEC. Some believed that Ireland’s economy would benefit from membership of the EEC. Those who were against entry said that Ireland would lose some of its independence because the EEC would now make decisions. ● A referendum (a vote of the people) in 1972 resulted in a huge majority in favour of entering the EEC. Ireland (along with the UK and Denmark) entered on 1 January 1973.


● Northern Ireland joined the EU as part of the United Kingdom. 2


1


There would be more jobs in industry


5


Irish agriculture would benefit from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)


4


Since Britain was joining, Ireland had to join also


Benefits of EU membership to Ireland ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● 446


Irish businesses have unhindered access [admission] to a market of over 510 million people.


An estimated 978,000 jobs have been created in Ireland during the years of membership and trade has increased 150 fold.


Foreign direct investment in to Ireland has increased dramatically from just €16 million in 1972 to more than €30 billion.


Irish citizens have the right to move, work and reside freely within the territory of other member states.


Between 1973 and 2015, Ireland received over €74.3 billion from the EU. During the same time, it contributed approximately €32 billion to the EU budget.


Ireland benefited from aid [grants] to provide job training and to improve roads, sewerage and telephone services.


Between 1973 and 2014 Irish farmers received €54 billion from the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP).


EU membership has helped bring peace and political agreement in Northern Ireland through support and investment in cross-border programmes (see p. 424).


The Irish language is an official working language in the EU, which helps to protect the country’s native mother tongue for future generations.


(Source: Adapted from ireland.representation.ec.europa.eu)


1. This account was written by the European Union (EU). Does that mean it is biased?


2. Is it a primary or a secondary source?


3. List two facts from the account.


4. Which of the ‘benefits’ would you consider the most important?


Why did the


Republic of Ireland join the EEC?


Ireland would benefit from foreign companies investing here to access the EU market


3


Reduce Ireland’s dependence on the British market


Analyse the evolution and development of Ireland’s links with the EU


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