1. Copy and fill in the blanks. a. Government policy is usually economic or ___________.
b. ___________ policy refers to the actions the government takes to influence the economy.
c. The European Union and the International ___________ ___________ provided Ireland with a bailout following the economic crash.
d. The government’s plan to reduce the budget deficit and boost economic growth was called the ___________ ___________ Plan 2011–2014.
e. In December 2013, the Irish economy began to show signs of ___________. f. Different ___________ will have different opinions on a government policy.
2. It is 2010 and you are working as a journalist for an Irish national newspaper. Write a short article on the impact of the economic crisis on Ireland.
3. Read the following information about a government policy and answer the questions that follow.
The provision of free GP services for children under 6 years of age represents the first phase in the provision of free GP care for the entire population. It is part of the government’s health reform programme, Future Health, which aims to create a single-tier health service, supported by universal health insurance with universal primary care, including GP care without fees at the point of service.
a. Who benefits from this policy? b. Who bears the cost of this policy? c. What would the benefits and drawbacks be of free GP care for all?
4. The Irish government has a policy of high taxation on cigarettes. A €10 packet includes a tax of €8.12 (Budget 2015).
a. Why do you think the government has placed a high tax on cigarettes? b. Who benefits from this policy? c. Who bears the costs of this policy?
5. Irish government policy of low corporation tax means that companies pay 12.5% tax on their profits. Who benefits from this policy?
