| IRELAND Ireland Eire Joined United Nations: 14 December 1955 Human Rights as assured by their constitution Click here Updated 06/29/10 |
| CAPITAL |
| POPULATION |
| CHIEF OF STATE |
| SELECTION PROCESS |
Dublin
4,250,163 (July 2010 est.)
Mary McAleese
President since 11 November 1997
President since 11 November 1997
President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible
for a second term); election last held 31 October 1997 note -
Mary McAleese appointed to a second term when no other
candidate qualified for the 2004 presidential election;
Next scheduled election: October 2011
for a second term); election last held 31 October 1997 note -
Mary McAleese appointed to a second term when no other
candidate qualified for the 2004 presidential election;
Next scheduled election: October 2011
HEAD OF GOVERNMENT
SELECTION PROCESS
Brian Cowen
Prime Minister since 7 May 2008
Prime Minister since 7 May 2008
Prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the House of
Representatives and appointed by the president
Representatives and appointed by the president
| DECLARATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS |
| ETHNIC GROUPS |
Irish 87.4%, other white 7.5%, Asian 1.3%, black 1.1%, mixed 1.1%, unspecified 1.6% (2006 census)
| RELIGIONS |
Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2%
(2006 census)
(2006 census)
| GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE |
Republic, parliamentary democracy comprised of 26 counties; Legal system is based on English common law,
substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 31
October 1997 (next scheduled for October 2011); prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the House of
Representatives and appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats - 49 elected by the
universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the prime minister; members
serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members are elected by popular
vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held by July 2012); House of Representatives - last held 24 May
2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet)
substantially modified by indigenous concepts; judicial review of legislative acts in Supreme Court; has not accepted
compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Executive: President elected by popular vote for a seven-year term (eligible for a second term); election last held 31
October 1997 (next scheduled for October 2011); prime minister (taoiseach) nominated by the House of
Representatives and appointed by the president
Legislative: Bicameral Parliament or Oireachtas consists of the Senate or Seanad Eireann (60 seats - 49 elected by the
universities and from candidates put forward by five vocational panels, 11 are nominated by the prime minister; members
serve five-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Dail Eireann (166 seats; members are elected by popular
vote on the basis of proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
elections: Senate - last held in July 2007 (next to be held by July 2012); House of Representatives - last held 24 May
2007 (next to be held by May 2012)
Judicial: Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister and cabinet)
| LANGUAGES |
English (official) is the language generally used, Irish (official) (Gaelic or Gaeilge) spoken mainly in areas located along
the western seaboard
the western seaboard
| BRIEF HISTORY |
| ECONOMIC OVERVIEW |
Ireland is a small, modern, trade-dependent economy. Ireland joined 11 other EU nations in circulating the euro on 1
January 2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity dropped sharply in 2008-09 as GDP
fell by 3% in 2008 and nearly 8% in 2009. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time in more than a decade with
the onset of the world financial crisis and subsequent severe slowdown in the property and construction markets.
Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector,
dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled
economic growth along with strong consumer spending and business investment. Property prices rose more rapidly in
Ireland in the decade up to 2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home prices have fallen
50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the
banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in response to the country's economic downturn. In
2009, in an effort to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government announced the establishment of the National
Asset Management Agency (NAMA), which will acquire property and development loans with a book value of more
than $100 billion from Irish banks. Faced with a need to bring the budget deficit down under the 3% EMU limit by
2014, the Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian budgets in 2009. In addition to
across-the-board cuts in spending, the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Ireland)
January 2002. GDP growth averaged 6% in 1995-2007, but economic activity dropped sharply in 2008-09 as GDP
fell by 3% in 2008 and nearly 8% in 2009. Ireland entered into a recession for the first time in more than a decade with
the onset of the world financial crisis and subsequent severe slowdown in the property and construction markets.
Agriculture, once the most important sector, is now dwarfed by industry and services. Although the export sector,
dominated by foreign multinationals, remains a key component of Ireland's economy, construction most recently fueled
economic growth along with strong consumer spending and business investment. Property prices rose more rapidly in
Ireland in the decade up to 2007 than in any other developed economy. However, average home prices have fallen
50% from the 2007 peak. In 2008 the COWEN government moved to guarantee all bank deposits, recapitalize the
banking system, and establish partly-public venture capital funds in response to the country's economic downturn. In
2009, in an effort to stabilize the banking sector, the Irish Government announced the establishment of the National
Asset Management Agency (NAMA), which will acquire property and development loans with a book value of more
than $100 billion from Irish banks. Faced with a need to bring the budget deficit down under the 3% EMU limit by
2014, the Irish Government introduced the first in a series of draconian budgets in 2009. In addition to
across-the-board cuts in spending, the 2009 budget included wage reductions for all public servants.
Source: CIA World Factbook (select Ireland)
| POLITICAL CLIMATE |
The head of state is the President of Ireland. In keeping with the state's parliamentary system of government the
President exercises a mainly ceremonial role but does possess certain specific powers. The presidency is open to all Irish
citizens who are at least 35. They are directly elected by secret ballot under the Alternative Vote. A candidate may be
nominated for election as President by no less than 20 members of the Oireachtas or by four or more of the Ireland's 29
County/County Borough Councils. A retiring President may nominate themselves as a candidate for re-election. If only
one valid candidate is nominated for election, for example if there is consensus among the political parties to nominate a
single candidate, it is unnecessary to proceed to a ballot and that candidate is deemed elected. The President is elected
to a seven year term of office and no person may serve more than two terms.
Executive authority is exercised by a cabinet known simply as the Government. Article 28 of the Constitution states that
the Government may consist of no less than seven and no more than fifteen members, namely the Taoiseach (prime
minister), the Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and up to thirteen other ministers. The Taoiseach is appointed by the
President, after being nominated by Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament). The remaining ministers are nominated
by the Taoiseach and appointed by the President following their approval by the Dáil. The Government must enjoy the
confidence of Dáil Éireann and, in the event that they cease to enjoy the support of the lower house, the Taoiseach must
either resign or request the President to dissolve the Dáil, in which case a general election follows.
The parliament of Ireland is the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas consists of the President and two houses: Dáil Éireann and
Seanad Éireann (also known as the Senate). The Dáil is by far the dominant House of the legislature. The President may
not veto bills passed by the Oireachtas, but may refer them to the Irish Supreme Court for a ruling on whether they
comply with the constitution.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of the Republic of Ireland
President exercises a mainly ceremonial role but does possess certain specific powers. The presidency is open to all Irish
citizens who are at least 35. They are directly elected by secret ballot under the Alternative Vote. A candidate may be
nominated for election as President by no less than 20 members of the Oireachtas or by four or more of the Ireland's 29
County/County Borough Councils. A retiring President may nominate themselves as a candidate for re-election. If only
one valid candidate is nominated for election, for example if there is consensus among the political parties to nominate a
single candidate, it is unnecessary to proceed to a ballot and that candidate is deemed elected. The President is elected
to a seven year term of office and no person may serve more than two terms.
Executive authority is exercised by a cabinet known simply as the Government. Article 28 of the Constitution states that
the Government may consist of no less than seven and no more than fifteen members, namely the Taoiseach (prime
minister), the Tánaiste (deputy prime minister) and up to thirteen other ministers. The Taoiseach is appointed by the
President, after being nominated by Dáil Éireann (the lower house of parliament). The remaining ministers are nominated
by the Taoiseach and appointed by the President following their approval by the Dáil. The Government must enjoy the
confidence of Dáil Éireann and, in the event that they cease to enjoy the support of the lower house, the Taoiseach must
either resign or request the President to dissolve the Dáil, in which case a general election follows.
The parliament of Ireland is the Oireachtas. The Oireachtas consists of the President and two houses: Dáil Éireann and
Seanad Éireann (also known as the Senate). The Dáil is by far the dominant House of the legislature. The President may
not veto bills passed by the Oireachtas, but may refer them to the Irish Supreme Court for a ruling on whether they
comply with the constitution.
Source: Wikipedia: Politics of the Republic of Ireland
| INTERNATIONAL DISPUTES |
Ireland, Iceland, and the UK dispute Denmark's claim that the Faroe Islands' continental shelf extends beyond 200 nm
| REFUGEES AND INTERNALLY DISPLACED PERSONS (IDP) |
None reported.
| ILLICIT DRUGS |
Transshipment point for and consumer of hashish from North Africa to the UK and Netherlands and of
European-produced synthetic drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor transshipment point for
heroin and cocaine destined for Western Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money laundering - using
bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern
European-produced synthetic drugs; increasing consumption of South American cocaine; minor transshipment point for
heroin and cocaine destined for Western Europe; despite recent legislation, narcotics-related money laundering - using
bureaux de change, trusts, and shell companies involving the offshore financial community - remains a concern
| HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENTS, ANALYSIS AND CRITIQUES |
2009 Human Rights Report: Ireland
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ireland, with a population of approximately 4.1 million, is a multiparty parliamentary democracy with an executive branch headed
by a prime minister, a bicameral parliament (Oireachtas), and a directly elected president. The country held free and fair
parliamentary elections in 2007. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
During the year there were some reports of:
Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
2009 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices
March 11, 2010
Ireland, with a population of approximately 4.1 million, is a multiparty parliamentary democracy with an executive branch headed
by a prime minister, a bicameral parliament (Oireachtas), and a directly elected president. The country held free and fair
parliamentary elections in 2007. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.
During the year there were some reports of:
- police abuse of authority and inadequate care for prisoners with mental disabilities.
- Domestic violence;
- mistreatment of children;
- trafficking in persons;
- discrimination against racial minorities, immigrants, and Travellers.
30 July 2008
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-third session
Geneva, 7 – 25 July 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
IRELAND
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission, albeit with some delay, of the State party’s
detailed and informative third periodic report. The Committee appreciates the written replies
provided in advance by the State party, as well as the answers of the delegation to the Committee’s
oral questions.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the legislative and other measures that have been taken to improve the protection and promotion of
human rights recognized under the Covenant since the examination of the second periodic report, including the establishment of the
Irish Human Rights Commission in 2000; the adoption of the Mental Health Act in 2001; the incorporation into domestic law of the
European Convention on Human Rights in 2003; and the establishment of the Garda Síochaná Ombudsman Commission in 2007.
4. The Committee further notes the progress made in combating domestic violence, including the increased budgetary allocation for
measures taken in this regard, the establishment of an Equality Authority and an Equality Tribunal, and the National Office for the
Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
5. The Committee notes the State party’s intention to withdraw its reservations to article 10, paragraph 2 and article 14 of the
Covenant, but regrets that the State party intends to maintain its reservations to article 19, paragraph 2 and article 20, paragraph 1.
The Committee urges the State party to implement its intention to withdraw its reservations to article 10, paragraph 2 and article 14
of the Covenant. The State party should also review its reservations to article 19, paragraph 2, and article 20, paragraph 1 of the
Covenant, with a view to withdrawing them in whole or in part.
Click here to read more »
HUMAN RIGHTS COMMITTEE
Ninety-third session
Geneva, 7 – 25 July 2008
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES UNDER ARTICLE 40 OF THE COVENANT
Concluding observations of the Human Rights Committee
IRELAND
A. Introduction
2. The Committee welcomes the submission, albeit with some delay, of the State party’s
detailed and informative third periodic report. The Committee appreciates the written replies
provided in advance by the State party, as well as the answers of the delegation to the Committee’s
oral questions.
B. Positive aspects
3. The Committee welcomes the legislative and other measures that have been taken to improve the protection and promotion of
human rights recognized under the Covenant since the examination of the second periodic report, including the establishment of the
Irish Human Rights Commission in 2000; the adoption of the Mental Health Act in 2001; the incorporation into domestic law of the
European Convention on Human Rights in 2003; and the establishment of the Garda Síochaná Ombudsman Commission in 2007.
4. The Committee further notes the progress made in combating domestic violence, including the increased budgetary allocation for
measures taken in this regard, the establishment of an Equality Authority and an Equality Tribunal, and the National Office for the
Prevention of Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence.
C. Principal subjects of concern and recommendations
5. The Committee notes the State party’s intention to withdraw its reservations to article 10, paragraph 2 and article 14 of the
Covenant, but regrets that the State party intends to maintain its reservations to article 19, paragraph 2 and article 20, paragraph 1.
The Committee urges the State party to implement its intention to withdraw its reservations to article 10, paragraph 2 and article 14
of the Covenant. The State party should also review its reservations to article 19, paragraph 2, and article 20, paragraph 1 of the
Covenant, with a view to withdrawing them in whole or in part.
Click here to read more »
Freedom In The World Report- 2010
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The ruling Fianna Fail and Green parties saw a sharp drop in support in local elections in June 2009. While they continued to
govern, a series of resignations and defections left them with equal support in Parliament to the opposition. Irish voters also
reversed their 2008 decision and approved the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty in October. Meanwhile, Ireland struggled with
continued financial hardship throughout the year.
Soon after Cowen’s installation, Irish voters rejected the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, designed to replace a draft EU constitution that had
failed to pass in 2005. Despite their general enthusiasm for EU membership, Irish voters were swayed in part by a series of false
allegations about the treaty, including that it would force Ireland to legalize abortion and would lead to the creation of an EU army.
However, Irish voters reversed their decision in September 2009, strongly supporting the treaty in a second vote.
While the ruling Fianna Fail and Green parties saw a significant decline in support in local elections in June 2009, the coalition
subsequently won a motion of confidence in Parliament. As a result of a series of resignations and defections—many in protest of
government policies—the number of coalition backers had dropped to equal that of the opposition by early August 2009. However,
Fianna Fail and the Green Party continued in power after agreeing on a governmental program in October, which provides for
electoral reform, such as the establishment of an independent electoral commission and changes to rules for political donations.
Ireland has faced severe economic problems in conjunction with the global crisis, driven by a rapid decline in property prices. In
2009 the economy entered a technical depression, with public finances in deep crisis and the Irish banking system extremely fragile
despite government intervention.
Ireland is an electoral democracy. The Parliament (Oireachtas) consists of a lower house (the Dail), whose 166 members are
elected by proportional representation for five-year terms, and an upper house (the Seanad, or Senate) with 60 members, 11
appointed and 49 elected by representatives of various interest groups. The Senate is mainly a consultative body. The president,
whose functions are largely ceremonial, is directly elected for a seven-year term. The prime minister, or taoiseach, is chosen by
Parliament.
The political party system is open to the rise and fall of competing groupings. The two largest parties—Fianna Fail and Fine Gael—
do not differ widely in ideological orientation but represent the opposing sides of the 1920s civil war. The smaller parties are the
Labour Party, Sinn Fein, and the Greens. The Progressive Democrats disbanded in 2009.
Click here to read more »
Political Rights Score: 1
Civil Liberties Score: 1
Status: Free
Overview
The ruling Fianna Fail and Green parties saw a sharp drop in support in local elections in June 2009. While they continued to
govern, a series of resignations and defections left them with equal support in Parliament to the opposition. Irish voters also
reversed their 2008 decision and approved the European Union’s Lisbon Treaty in October. Meanwhile, Ireland struggled with
continued financial hardship throughout the year.
Soon after Cowen’s installation, Irish voters rejected the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, designed to replace a draft EU constitution that had
failed to pass in 2005. Despite their general enthusiasm for EU membership, Irish voters were swayed in part by a series of false
allegations about the treaty, including that it would force Ireland to legalize abortion and would lead to the creation of an EU army.
However, Irish voters reversed their decision in September 2009, strongly supporting the treaty in a second vote.
While the ruling Fianna Fail and Green parties saw a significant decline in support in local elections in June 2009, the coalition
subsequently won a motion of confidence in Parliament. As a result of a series of resignations and defections—many in protest of
government policies—the number of coalition backers had dropped to equal that of the opposition by early August 2009. However,
Fianna Fail and the Green Party continued in power after agreeing on a governmental program in October, which provides for
electoral reform, such as the establishment of an independent electoral commission and changes to rules for political donations.
Ireland has faced severe economic problems in conjunction with the global crisis, driven by a rapid decline in property prices. In
2009 the economy entered a technical depression, with public finances in deep crisis and the Irish banking system extremely fragile
despite government intervention.
Ireland is an electoral democracy. The Parliament (Oireachtas) consists of a lower house (the Dail), whose 166 members are
elected by proportional representation for five-year terms, and an upper house (the Seanad, or Senate) with 60 members, 11
appointed and 49 elected by representatives of various interest groups. The Senate is mainly a consultative body. The president,
whose functions are largely ceremonial, is directly elected for a seven-year term. The prime minister, or taoiseach, is chosen by
Parliament.
The political party system is open to the rise and fall of competing groupings. The two largest parties—Fianna Fail and Fine Gael—
do not differ widely in ideological orientation but represent the opposing sides of the 1920s civil war. The smaller parties are the
Labour Party, Sinn Fein, and the Greens. The Progressive Democrats disbanded in 2009.
Click here to read more »
Belfast Roma attacks highlight European racism issue
17 June 2009
The latest spate of racist attacks on over 100 Romanian people in Northern Ireland is part of a growing trend of discrimination
against Roma people across Europe, Amnesty International has said.
Around 20 families of Roma people from Romania were forced to flee their homes in Belfast after coming under sustained attack
for a number of nights. A crowd is reported to have gathered outside their homes shouting racist slogans, smashing windows and
kicking in doors.
The Roma initially sought refuge in the City Church in South Belfast on Tuesday. They have subsequently been transferred by
Northern Ireland authorities to temporary accommodation in a leisure centre elsewhere in the city.
Amnesty International has investigated and responded to similar attacks on the Roma in Europe, including in the Czech Republic,
Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia, in the past year.
Amnesty International has urged the authorities in Northern Ireland to urgently investigate the series of attacks and take measures to
protect the Roma from any future attacks.
"Racist attacks are unacceptable and illegal. The Roma have every right to reside in Belfast and be treated with respect and dignity
as any other citizen of the city," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International.
Since the Roma families fled their homes, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has assisted local civil society and social
service agencies in relocating the Romanians to temporary shelter.
Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to ensure that thorough, independent and impartial investigations are conducted into
each attack on Roma persons. Those affected by the attacks should be given adequate access to reparations, and to seek justice
through the courts.
"The Northern Ireland authorities have an obligation to ensure that the Roma and Romanian population in Belfast are given the
protection they require in order to enjoy a safe and durable future there," Nicola Duckworth said.
The Roma suffer massive discrimination throughout Europe. Roma are often victims of forced evictions, racist attacks and police
ill-treatment, and are denied their rights to housing, employment, healthcare and education.
Click here to read more »
17 June 2009
The latest spate of racist attacks on over 100 Romanian people in Northern Ireland is part of a growing trend of discrimination
against Roma people across Europe, Amnesty International has said.
Around 20 families of Roma people from Romania were forced to flee their homes in Belfast after coming under sustained attack
for a number of nights. A crowd is reported to have gathered outside their homes shouting racist slogans, smashing windows and
kicking in doors.
The Roma initially sought refuge in the City Church in South Belfast on Tuesday. They have subsequently been transferred by
Northern Ireland authorities to temporary accommodation in a leisure centre elsewhere in the city.
Amnesty International has investigated and responded to similar attacks on the Roma in Europe, including in the Czech Republic,
Hungary, Italy, Romania, Serbia and Slovakia, in the past year.
Amnesty International has urged the authorities in Northern Ireland to urgently investigate the series of attacks and take measures to
protect the Roma from any future attacks.
"Racist attacks are unacceptable and illegal. The Roma have every right to reside in Belfast and be treated with respect and dignity
as any other citizen of the city," said Nicola Duckworth, Europe and Central Asia Programme Director at Amnesty International.
Since the Roma families fled their homes, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has assisted local civil society and social
service agencies in relocating the Romanians to temporary shelter.
Amnesty International has called on the PSNI to ensure that thorough, independent and impartial investigations are conducted into
each attack on Roma persons. Those affected by the attacks should be given adequate access to reparations, and to seek justice
through the courts.
"The Northern Ireland authorities have an obligation to ensure that the Roma and Romanian population in Belfast are given the
protection they require in order to enjoy a safe and durable future there," Nicola Duckworth said.
The Roma suffer massive discrimination throughout Europe. Roma are often victims of forced evictions, racist attacks and police
ill-treatment, and are denied their rights to housing, employment, healthcare and education.
Click here to read more »
On the Ground: Access to Abortion in Ireland
As told by Marianne Mollmann, Women’s Rights Advocacy Director
April 19, 2010
I met Aisling in her office in Dublin. "Keep your voice down," she said, closing her office door and sitting behind her desk. The
walls were thin, and she didn't want her colleagues to overhear us talking about her abortion.
Aisling had short hair, wore a hand-knit cardigan, and looked a decade younger than her 45 years. She spoke in measured tones,
telling me how she had wanted kids, and how she had become pregnant late in life.
Then she learned her fetus had a genetic condition, and wouldn't likely survive past birth.
No one should have to go through what she went through, Aisling said. She wanted Ireland's abortion laws - and the cultural
stigma surrounding abortion - to change. She wasn't willing to risk judgment by speaking openly. But she wanted me to know.
"I didn't know what to do," Aisling said. "I was distraught. One consultant was very nice, but his view was just to let things
happen. He said, ‘You'll have a late miscarriage anyway.' "
I'd already been in Ireland for a few days, working on a report on Ireland's restrictive abortion laws, when I met Aisling. Abortion
in Ireland is illegal, even in cases of rape and incest. It's only legal when a pregnant woman's life is in danger, and even then,
women are forced to travel abroad for the procedure.
But the laws haven't stopped women from needing abortions - it just makes them more difficult and stressful to get. Since 1980,
hundreds of thousands of women have traveled to the United Kingdom from Ireland to end their pregnancies. Many women have
traveled to other European countries for the same reason. And they do so at great emotional and financial cost, and to the detriment
of their health.
After learning her baby's condition, Aisling, distraught, spent the next few weeks seeking information on her options. The hospitals
stonewalled her.
But she knew what she wanted to do. She found a clinic in England and booked flights for her husband and herself. She felt she
couldn't tell her father or brothers. She told her husband's family, though, and they understood.
Click here to read more »
As told by Marianne Mollmann, Women’s Rights Advocacy Director
April 19, 2010
I met Aisling in her office in Dublin. "Keep your voice down," she said, closing her office door and sitting behind her desk. The
walls were thin, and she didn't want her colleagues to overhear us talking about her abortion.
Aisling had short hair, wore a hand-knit cardigan, and looked a decade younger than her 45 years. She spoke in measured tones,
telling me how she had wanted kids, and how she had become pregnant late in life.
Then she learned her fetus had a genetic condition, and wouldn't likely survive past birth.
No one should have to go through what she went through, Aisling said. She wanted Ireland's abortion laws - and the cultural
stigma surrounding abortion - to change. She wasn't willing to risk judgment by speaking openly. But she wanted me to know.
"I didn't know what to do," Aisling said. "I was distraught. One consultant was very nice, but his view was just to let things
happen. He said, ‘You'll have a late miscarriage anyway.' "
I'd already been in Ireland for a few days, working on a report on Ireland's restrictive abortion laws, when I met Aisling. Abortion
in Ireland is illegal, even in cases of rape and incest. It's only legal when a pregnant woman's life is in danger, and even then,
women are forced to travel abroad for the procedure.
But the laws haven't stopped women from needing abortions - it just makes them more difficult and stressful to get. Since 1980,
hundreds of thousands of women have traveled to the United Kingdom from Ireland to end their pregnancies. Many women have
traveled to other European countries for the same reason. And they do so at great emotional and financial cost, and to the detriment
of their health.
After learning her baby's condition, Aisling, distraught, spent the next few weeks seeking information on her options. The hospitals
stonewalled her.
But she knew what she wanted to do. She found a clinic in England and booked flights for her husband and herself. She felt she
couldn't tell her father or brothers. She told her husband's family, though, and they understood.
Click here to read more »
Address by the Taoiseach, Mr Brian Cowen T.D., to the British Irish Parliamentary Assembly, Monday, 22 February, 2010
at 12 noon
Introduction
I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you today at this important time in our history as we face so many common
challenges. I particularly want to thank your co-chairs - Mr. Niall Blaney T.D. and Mr Paul Murphy MP - for inviting me.
Twenty years ago the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body was established to encourage greater understanding between the people
and parliamentarians of these islands.
It is clear that you have excelled in the task that was given to you.
I want to thank you all for the crucial role that each and every one of you has played in strengthening the relationship between Ireland
and Britain.
Today, as we reflect over the past twenty years, we should be proud of what we have been achieved.
On March 9th, it is essential that there is broad cross community support for the request to transfer policing and justice powers, and I
encourage everyone to complete this most important step, which closes the chapter on the completion of devolution, and opens a
whole new one for peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
And North-South co-operation has a key role to play in the future prosperity and success of both parts of this island.
In meeting common challenges - such as promoting economic recovery, dealing with the effects of climate change, guaranteeing our
energy security and developing our skills and research and development base we are stronger when we share common approaches.
With our Executive colleagues in the North South Ministerial Council, we are delivering serious and substantial joint initiatives in areas
like transport, health, education and the environment.
As I said at Hillsborough, we are very fortunate to enjoy the rich tapestry which has been woven from all of the history, cultures and
traditions on the island of Ireland.
We must continue to work for reconciliation and partnership, to protect and nurture all we hold dear, including our beliefs, traditions
and, above all, the new relationships that have grown from the peace process.
Recent acts of decommissioning remind us all of the great benefits that the peace process can bring and the confidence it generates in
communities. I deeply appreciate the efforts of all of those who worked so hard to bring about recent acts of decommissioning by
paramilitary groups.
Finally, I would also like to convey our appreciation to you for the work that this Assembly has done over the past twenty years in
bringing parliamentarians from these islands together to consider and discuss issues of mutual concern as we embarked on a journey
to overcome the legacy of the past. This Assembly has played a significant role in transforming relations on these islands and long
may that work continue.
Click here to read more »
at 12 noon
Introduction
I am delighted to have the opportunity to speak to you today at this important time in our history as we face so many common
challenges. I particularly want to thank your co-chairs - Mr. Niall Blaney T.D. and Mr Paul Murphy MP - for inviting me.
Twenty years ago the British Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body was established to encourage greater understanding between the people
and parliamentarians of these islands.
It is clear that you have excelled in the task that was given to you.
I want to thank you all for the crucial role that each and every one of you has played in strengthening the relationship between Ireland
and Britain.
Today, as we reflect over the past twenty years, we should be proud of what we have been achieved.
On March 9th, it is essential that there is broad cross community support for the request to transfer policing and justice powers, and I
encourage everyone to complete this most important step, which closes the chapter on the completion of devolution, and opens a
whole new one for peace and stability in Northern Ireland.
And North-South co-operation has a key role to play in the future prosperity and success of both parts of this island.
In meeting common challenges - such as promoting economic recovery, dealing with the effects of climate change, guaranteeing our
energy security and developing our skills and research and development base we are stronger when we share common approaches.
With our Executive colleagues in the North South Ministerial Council, we are delivering serious and substantial joint initiatives in areas
like transport, health, education and the environment.
As I said at Hillsborough, we are very fortunate to enjoy the rich tapestry which has been woven from all of the history, cultures and
traditions on the island of Ireland.
We must continue to work for reconciliation and partnership, to protect and nurture all we hold dear, including our beliefs, traditions
and, above all, the new relationships that have grown from the peace process.
Recent acts of decommissioning remind us all of the great benefits that the peace process can bring and the confidence it generates in
communities. I deeply appreciate the efforts of all of those who worked so hard to bring about recent acts of decommissioning by
paramilitary groups.
Finally, I would also like to convey our appreciation to you for the work that this Assembly has done over the past twenty years in
bringing parliamentarians from these islands together to consider and discuss issues of mutual concern as we embarked on a journey
to overcome the legacy of the past. This Assembly has played a significant role in transforming relations on these islands and long
may that work continue.
Click here to read more »
IHRC welcomes withdrawal of appeal in Transgender Case
Issued : 21 June 2010
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today welcomed the decision by the Government to withdraw its appeal to the
Supreme Court in the proceedings Foy v An t-Ard Chláraitheoir, Ireland and the Attorney General external link concerning the
recognition of transgender persons. In February 2008 the High Court had formally issued the first Declaration of Incompatibility
under Section 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, stating that the relevant Irish legislation was incompatible
with the ECHR. The State had then appealed the case to the Supreme Court.
"This is a wholly welcome development", stated Dr Maurice Manning, President of the IHRC. "The rights of transgender people are
gradually being recognised in Irish law, for example, the Passports Act 2008 saw the first statutory recognition of transgender
people in providing for a person's right to apply to have a passport issued in their new gender. It is now time for the Government to
introduce law reform in this area, as the IHRC has recommended in its submission to Government in 2008", he stated.
"This is an important day for Dr Foy and for the Free Legal Advice Centres who supported her case through lengthy legal
proceedings", stated Mr Éamonn Mac Aodha, Chief Executive of the IHRC. "The decision of the Government to withdraw its
appeal is consistent with the advice given to Government by the IHRC in September 2008 following the High Court Judgment in
Foy. After conducting our own review of the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the rights of
transgender people and finding major deficits in Irish law and practice, we were of the opinion that there was nothing preventing
the Government from introducing much needed law reform."
The IHRC also welcomed the recent Government decision to establish a Gender Recognition Advisory Group to progress law
reform in this area. The need for amending legislation to bring Ireland into line with its international human rights obligations now
appears to be recognised and it is expected that this will be announced by the Taoiseach when he causes a copy of the High Court
order containing a declaration of incompatibility to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas shortly, as required by Section 5 of
the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.
Click here to read more »
Issued : 21 June 2010
The Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) today welcomed the decision by the Government to withdraw its appeal to the
Supreme Court in the proceedings Foy v An t-Ard Chláraitheoir, Ireland and the Attorney General external link concerning the
recognition of transgender persons. In February 2008 the High Court had formally issued the first Declaration of Incompatibility
under Section 5 of the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003, stating that the relevant Irish legislation was incompatible
with the ECHR. The State had then appealed the case to the Supreme Court.
"This is a wholly welcome development", stated Dr Maurice Manning, President of the IHRC. "The rights of transgender people are
gradually being recognised in Irish law, for example, the Passports Act 2008 saw the first statutory recognition of transgender
people in providing for a person's right to apply to have a passport issued in their new gender. It is now time for the Government to
introduce law reform in this area, as the IHRC has recommended in its submission to Government in 2008", he stated.
"This is an important day for Dr Foy and for the Free Legal Advice Centres who supported her case through lengthy legal
proceedings", stated Mr Éamonn Mac Aodha, Chief Executive of the IHRC. "The decision of the Government to withdraw its
appeal is consistent with the advice given to Government by the IHRC in September 2008 following the High Court Judgment in
Foy. After conducting our own review of the relevant case law of the European Court of Human Rights in relation to the rights of
transgender people and finding major deficits in Irish law and practice, we were of the opinion that there was nothing preventing
the Government from introducing much needed law reform."
The IHRC also welcomed the recent Government decision to establish a Gender Recognition Advisory Group to progress law
reform in this area. The need for amending legislation to bring Ireland into line with its international human rights obligations now
appears to be recognised and it is expected that this will be announced by the Taoiseach when he causes a copy of the High Court
order containing a declaration of incompatibility to be laid before each House of the Oireachtas shortly, as required by Section 5 of
the European Convention on Human Rights Act 2003.
Click here to read more »
Irish Centre for Human Rights
Issue 10, January-March 2010
Lecture Series at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris
Together with the Centre de recherche sur les droits de l’homme et le droit humanitaire of the Université de Paris II, the Irish Centre
for Human Rights is hosting a series of lectures at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris.
On 10 February 2010, Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre, delivered a lecture on the upcoming report of the
Secretary-General of the United Nations on the status of the death penalty.
Professor Schabas was the author and researcher of the report. He described the accelerating trend towards universal abolition of
capital punishment, confirmed by the latest statistics. Today, some 150 States have abolished the death penalty or ceased using it in
practice. With a few exceptions, such as Iran, there are important declines in the use of capital punishment by those that still retain
it. The first lecture in the series was delivered on 5 January by François Zimray, the new French
ambassador for human rights.
Future lecturers include Prof. Jean Morange, on religion and human rights, and Dr. Ray Murphy, on developments in international
humanitarian law. The lecture series will continue throughout the year, with French and Irish specialists alternating. The lectures
are delivered in French or in English.
The two institutions will also host a symposium that deals with stocktaking of the reform process within the United Nations human
rights institutions. This will take place at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris on 3 May 2010. Many international experts on the United
Nations human rights machinery are expected to participate. Speakers from Ireland will include James McIntyre, director of human
rights at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Professor William Schabas.
Click here to read more »
Issue 10, January-March 2010
Lecture Series at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris
Together with the Centre de recherche sur les droits de l’homme et le droit humanitaire of the Université de Paris II, the Irish Centre
for Human Rights is hosting a series of lectures at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris.
On 10 February 2010, Professor William Schabas, Director of the Irish Centre, delivered a lecture on the upcoming report of the
Secretary-General of the United Nations on the status of the death penalty.
Professor Schabas was the author and researcher of the report. He described the accelerating trend towards universal abolition of
capital punishment, confirmed by the latest statistics. Today, some 150 States have abolished the death penalty or ceased using it in
practice. With a few exceptions, such as Iran, there are important declines in the use of capital punishment by those that still retain
it. The first lecture in the series was delivered on 5 January by François Zimray, the new French
ambassador for human rights.
Future lecturers include Prof. Jean Morange, on religion and human rights, and Dr. Ray Murphy, on developments in international
humanitarian law. The lecture series will continue throughout the year, with French and Irish specialists alternating. The lectures
are delivered in French or in English.
The two institutions will also host a symposium that deals with stocktaking of the reform process within the United Nations human
rights institutions. This will take place at the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris on 3 May 2010. Many international experts on the United
Nations human rights machinery are expected to participate. Speakers from Ireland will include James McIntyre, director of human
rights at the Department of Foreign Affairs, and Professor William Schabas.
Click here to read more »
What little is known of pre-Christian Ireland comes from a few references in Roman writings, Irish poetry and myth, and
archaeology. The earliest inhabitants of Ireland, people of a mid-Stone Age, or Mesolithic, culture, arrived sometime
after 8000 BC, when the climate had become more hospitable following the retreat of the polar icecaps. About 4000
BC agriculture was introduced from the continent, leading to the establishment of a high Neolithic culture, characterized
by the appearance of pottery, polished stone tools, rectangular wooden houses and communal megalithic tombs, some
of which are huge stone monuments like the Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, many of them
astronomically aligned (most notably, Newgrange). The Iron Age in Ireland began about 600 BC. By the historic period
(AD 431 onwards) the main over-kingdoms of In Tuisceart, Airgialla, Ulaid, Mide, Laigin, Mumhain, Cóiced Ol
nEchmacht began to emerge (see Kingdoms of ancient Ireland). Within these kingdoms a rich culture flourished. The
society of these kingdoms was dominated by an upper class, consisting of aristocratic warriors and learned people,
possibly including druids. The middle centuries of the first millennium AD marked great changes in Ireland. Niall
Noigiallach (died c.450/455) laid the basis for the Uí Néill dynasty's hegemony over much of western, northern and
central Ireland. Politically, the former emphasis on tribal affiliation had been replaced by the 700s by that of patrilineal
and dynastic background. Many formerly powerful kingdoms and peoples disappeared. Irish pirates struck all over the
coast of western Britain in the same way that the Vikings would later attack Ireland. Some of these founded entirely new
kingdoms in Pictland, Wales and Cornwall. The Attacotti of south Leinster may even have served in the Roman military
in the mid-to-late 300s. Perhaps it was some of the latter returning home as rich mercenaries, merchants, or slaves stolen
from Britain or Gaul, that first brought the Christian faith to Ireland. Some early sources claim that there were
missionaries active in southern Ireland long before St. Patrick. Whatever the route, and there were probably many, this
new faith was to have the most profound effect on the Irish. Tradition maintains that in AD 432, St. Patrick arrived on
the island and, in the years that followed, worked to convert the Irish to Christianity. On the other hand, according to
Prosper of Aquitaine, a contemporary chronicler, Palladius was sent to Ireland by the Pope in 431 as "first Bishop to the
Irish believing in Christ", which demonstrates that there were already Christians living in Ireland. The first recorded
Viking raid in Irish history occurred in 795 when Vikings from Norway looted the island of Lambay, located off the
Dublin coast. Early Viking raids were generally small in scale and quick. These early raids interrupted the golden age of
Christian Irish culture starting the beginning of two hundred years of intermittent warfare, with waves of Viking raiders
plundering monasteries and towns throughout Ireland. Most of the early raiders came from the fjords of western Norway.
In 852, the Vikings Ivar Beinlaus and Olaf the White landed in Dublin Bay and established a fortress, on which the city
of Dublin (from the Irish Gaelic An Dubh Linn meaning "the black pool") now stands.By the 12th century, Ireland was
divided politically into a shifting hierarchy of petty kingdoms and over-kingdoms. Power was exercised by the heads of a
few regional dynasties vying against each other for supremacy over the whole island. The first Norman knight landed in
Ireland in 1167, followed by the main forces of Normans, Welsh and Flemings in Wexford in 1169. This caused
consternation to King Henry II of England, who feared the establishment of a rival Norman state in Ireland. Accordingly,
he resolved to establish his authority. With the authority of the papal bull Laudabiliter from Adrian IV, Henry landed with
a large fleet at Waterford in 1171, becoming the first King of England to set foot on Irish soil. The Black Death arrived
in Ireland in 1348. Because most of the English and Norman inhabitants of Ireland lived in towns and villages, the plague
hit them far harder than it did the native Irish, who lived in more dispersed rural settlements. By the end of the 15th
century, central English authority in Ireland had all but disappeared. England's attentions were diverted by its Wars of the
Roses (civil war). From 1536, Henry VIII decided to re-conquer Ireland and bring it under crown control. From the
mid-16th and into the early seventeenth century, crown governments carried out a policy of colonisation known as
Plantations. The seventeenth century was perhaps the bloodiest in Ireland's history. Two periods of civil war (1641-53
and 1689-91) caused huge loss of life and resulted in the final dispossession of the Irish Catholic landowning class and
their subordination under the Penal Laws. The Catholic gentry briefly ruled the country as Confederate Ireland (1642-
1649) against the background of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms until Oliver Cromwell re-conquered Ireland in 1649-
1653 on behalf of the English Commonwealth. Ireland became the main battleground after the Glorious Revolution of
1688, when the Catholic James II left London and the English Parliament replaced him with William of Orange. By the
late eighteenth century, many of the Irish Protestant elite had come to see Ireland as their native country. In 1800, after
the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the British and the Irish parliaments enacted the Act of Union, which merged Kingdom of
Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain (itself a union of England and Scotland, created almost 100 years earlier), to
create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The second of Ireland's "Great Famines", An Gorta Mór struck
the country severely in the period 1845-1849, with potato blight leading to mass starvation and emigration. (See Irish
Potato Famine (1845-1849).) The impact of emigration in Ireland was severe; the population dropped from over 8
million before the Famine to 4.4 million in 1911. Outside mainstream nationalism, a series of violent rebellions by Irish
republicans took place in 1803, under Robert Emmet; in 1848 a rebellion by the Young Irelanders, most prominent
among them, Thomas Francis Meagher; and in 1867, another insurrection by the Irish Republican Brotherhood. All
failed, but physical force nationalism remained an undercurrent in the nineteenth century.In the 1870s the issue of Irish
self-government again became a major focus of debate under Protestant landowner, Charles Stewart Parnell and the
Home Rule League. British prime minister William Ewart Gladstone made two unsuccessful attempts to introduce Home
Rule in 1886 and 1893. The period from 1916-1921 was marked by political violence and upheaval, ending in the
partition of Ireland and independence for 26 of its 32 counties. Unwilling to negotiate any understanding with Britain
short of complete independence, the Irish Republican Army — the army of the newly declared Irish Republic — waged
a guerrilla war (the Irish War of Independence) from 1919 to 1921. In the course of the fighting and amid much
acrimony, the Fourth Government of Ireland Act 1920 separated the island into what the British government termed
"Northern Ireland" and "Southern Ireland". In mid-1921, the Irish and British governments signed a truce that halted the
war. In December 1921, representatives of both governments signed an Anglo-Irish Treaty. With the partition of Ireland
in 1922, 92.6% of the Free State's population were Catholic while 7.4% were Protestant.In 1937, a new Constitution of
Ireland proclaimed the state of Éire (or Ireland). In 1949 the state was formally declared the Republic of Ireland and it
left the British Commonwealth. Global economic problems in the 1970s, augmented by a set of misjudged economic
policies followed by governments, including that of Taoiseach Jack Lynch, caused the Irish economy to stagnate. The
'Troubles' in Northern Ireland discouraged foreign investment but Ireland has a robust modern economy today.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Ireland
archaeology. The earliest inhabitants of Ireland, people of a mid-Stone Age, or Mesolithic, culture, arrived sometime
after 8000 BC, when the climate had become more hospitable following the retreat of the polar icecaps. About 4000
BC agriculture was introduced from the continent, leading to the establishment of a high Neolithic culture, characterized
by the appearance of pottery, polished stone tools, rectangular wooden houses and communal megalithic tombs, some
of which are huge stone monuments like the Passage Tombs of Newgrange, Knowth and Dowth, many of them
astronomically aligned (most notably, Newgrange). The Iron Age in Ireland began about 600 BC. By the historic period
(AD 431 onwards) the main over-kingdoms of In Tuisceart, Airgialla, Ulaid, Mide, Laigin, Mumhain, Cóiced Ol
nEchmacht began to emerge (see Kingdoms of ancient Ireland). Within these kingdoms a rich culture flourished. The
society of these kingdoms was dominated by an upper class, consisting of aristocratic warriors and learned people,
possibly including druids. The middle centuries of the first millennium AD marked great changes in Ireland. Niall
Noigiallach (died c.450/455) laid the basis for the Uí Néill dynasty's hegemony over much of western, northern and
central Ireland. Politically, the former emphasis on tribal affiliation had been replaced by the 700s by that of patrilineal
and dynastic background. Many formerly powerful kingdoms and peoples disappeared. Irish pirates struck all over the
coast of western Britain in the same way that the Vikings would later attack Ireland. Some of these founded entirely new
kingdoms in Pictland, Wales and Cornwall. The Attacotti of south Leinster may even have served in the Roman military
in the mid-to-late 300s. Perhaps it was some of the latter returning home as rich mercenaries, merchants, or slaves stolen
from Britain or Gaul, that first brought the Christian faith to Ireland. Some early sources claim that there were
missionaries active in southern Ireland long before St. Patrick. Whatever the route, and there were probably many, this
new faith was to have the most profound effect on the Irish. Tradition maintains that in AD 432, St. Patrick arrived on
the island and, in the years that followed, worked to convert the Irish to Christianity. On the other hand, according to
Prosper of Aquitaine, a contemporary chronicler, Palladius was sent to Ireland by the Pope in 431 as "first Bishop to the
Irish believing in Christ", which demonstrates that there were already Christians living in Ireland. The first recorded
Viking raid in Irish history occurred in 795 when Vikings from Norway looted the island of Lambay, located off the
Dublin coast. Early Viking raids were generally small in scale and quick. These early raids interrupted the golden age of
Christian Irish culture starting the beginning of two hundred years of intermittent warfare, with waves of Viking raiders
plundering monasteries and towns throughout Ireland. Most of the early raiders came from the fjords of western Norway.
In 852, the Vikings Ivar Beinlaus and Olaf the White landed in Dublin Bay and established a fortress, on which the city
of Dublin (from the Irish Gaelic An Dubh Linn meaning "the black pool") now stands.By the 12th century, Ireland was
divided politically into a shifting hierarchy of petty kingdoms and over-kingdoms. Power was exercised by the heads of a
few regional dynasties vying against each other for supremacy over the whole island. The first Norman knight landed in
Ireland in 1167, followed by the main forces of Normans, Welsh and Flemings in Wexford in 1169. This caused
consternation to King Henry II of England, who feared the establishment of a rival Norman state in Ireland. Accordingly,
he resolved to establish his authority. With the authority of the papal bull Laudabiliter from Adrian IV, Henry landed with
a large fleet at Waterford in 1171, becoming the first King of England to set foot on Irish soil. The Black Death arrived
in Ireland in 1348. Because most of the English and Norman inhabitants of Ireland lived in towns and villages, the plague
hit them far harder than it did the native Irish, who lived in more dispersed rural settlements. By the end of the 15th
century, central English authority in Ireland had all but disappeared. England's attentions were diverted by its Wars of the
Roses (civil war). From 1536, Henry VIII decided to re-conquer Ireland and bring it under crown control. From the
mid-16th and into the early seventeenth century, crown governments carried out a policy of colonisation known as
Plantations. The seventeenth century was perhaps the bloodiest in Ireland's history. Two periods of civil war (1641-53
and 1689-91) caused huge loss of life and resulted in the final dispossession of the Irish Catholic landowning class and
their subordination under the Penal Laws. The Catholic gentry briefly ruled the country as Confederate Ireland (1642-
1649) against the background of the Wars of the Three Kingdoms until Oliver Cromwell re-conquered Ireland in 1649-
1653 on behalf of the English Commonwealth. Ireland became the main battleground after the Glorious Revolution of
1688, when the Catholic James II left London and the English Parliament replaced him with William of Orange. By the
late eighteenth century, many of the Irish Protestant elite had come to see Ireland as their native country. In 1800, after
the Irish Rebellion of 1798, the British and the Irish parliaments enacted the Act of Union, which merged Kingdom of
Ireland and the Kingdom of Great Britain (itself a union of England and Scotland, created almost 100 years earlier), to
create the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. The second of Ireland's "Great Famines", An Gorta Mór struck
the country severely in the period 1845-1849, with potato blight leading to mass starvation and emigration. (See Irish
Potato Famine (1845-1849).) The impact of emigration in Ireland was severe; the population dropped from over 8
million before the Famine to 4.4 million in 1911. Outside mainstream nationalism, a series of violent rebellions by Irish
republicans took place in 1803, under Robert Emmet; in 1848 a rebellion by the Young Irelanders, most prominent
among them, Thomas Francis Meagher; and in 1867, another insurrection by the Irish Republican Brotherhood. All
failed, but physical force nationalism remained an undercurrent in the nineteenth century.In the 1870s the issue of Irish
self-government again became a major focus of debate under Protestant landowner, Charles Stewart Parnell and the
Home Rule League. British prime minister William Ewart Gladstone made two unsuccessful attempts to introduce Home
Rule in 1886 and 1893. The period from 1916-1921 was marked by political violence and upheaval, ending in the
partition of Ireland and independence for 26 of its 32 counties. Unwilling to negotiate any understanding with Britain
short of complete independence, the Irish Republican Army — the army of the newly declared Irish Republic — waged
a guerrilla war (the Irish War of Independence) from 1919 to 1921. In the course of the fighting and amid much
acrimony, the Fourth Government of Ireland Act 1920 separated the island into what the British government termed
"Northern Ireland" and "Southern Ireland". In mid-1921, the Irish and British governments signed a truce that halted the
war. In December 1921, representatives of both governments signed an Anglo-Irish Treaty. With the partition of Ireland
in 1922, 92.6% of the Free State's population were Catholic while 7.4% were Protestant.In 1937, a new Constitution of
Ireland proclaimed the state of Éire (or Ireland). In 1949 the state was formally declared the Republic of Ireland and it
left the British Commonwealth. Global economic problems in the 1970s, augmented by a set of misjudged economic
policies followed by governments, including that of Taoiseach Jack Lynch, caused the Irish economy to stagnate. The
'Troubles' in Northern Ireland discouraged foreign investment but Ireland has a robust modern economy today.
Sources: Wikipedia: History of Ireland
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| TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS |
None reported.
