Irish Social Policy

1996 Words4 Pages

Social Policy Essay
‘‘Identify and discuss some of the challenges which have emerged for Irish families as a result of the economic downturn in 2008. In your discussion refer to the role of the Government in responding to the challenges facing Irish families’’.
This essay will identify and discuss some of the challenges that Irish families face because of the economic downturn. In 2008, Ireland saw the beginning of a recession, one of the worst to hit Ireland. The cost of goods and services rose while unemployment levels plunged to an all-time low. The events that have come from this recession have caused many problems for Irish families especially for those who were already struggling. Family, according to article 41 of The Irish constitution, is defined as ‘’the natural primary and fundamental unit group of Society, and as a moral institution possessing inalienable and imprescriptible rights, antecedent and superior to all positive law” (Citizens Information 2013). As the effects of the recession took a large toll on Irish families, new policies were brought in. This essay will outline these policies and how they have helped Irish families since 2008.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that an income maintenance system existed in Ireland. Only the sick and the homeless were provided for under the Brehon Law rules. After centuries of change, laws and plantations the country was left with a poverty stricken population. The economic state of Ireland has always had an influence on income and the maintenance services that follow. When there is economic downturn, levels of maintenance rises as unemployment soars, and similarly, in boom times, maintenance levels go down as the levels of employment go up. This is how our welfare system ...

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