Regional Geography - EU Expansion

Trogdor

Hi everyone,

Was just looking back through the past papers and i saw that EU expansion comes up quite a bit with the question usually being "Describe the economic and cultural impacts of the EU expansion on Ireland".

In the last 3 out of 4 years its come up anyway (if not exactly in that wording then more general, but the above title would fit for all 3 past questions). We haven't covered this topic in class and i can't much information specifically on this aspect of the EU in my books either.

I was just wondering if anyone has a sample essay, notes or even just a few pointers on this essay?

Thanks in advance:)

EDIT: Or even an e-xamit code for 2006 Q.6, 2008 Q.6 or 2009 Q.5 would be very helpful:)

McGarnagle92

This is more so the influence/impact but I'm sure it can be used :

• EU-2007-27 Member states (provides a new labour source for Ireland)
• Between1995-2009 Irish Economy needed 420,000 workers, without EU expansion..not enough to maintain economic growth
• Since recession/decline in 2009 Irish workers considering working abroad.
• Mention The Maastricht Treaty 1993 allowing travel, work etc within EU member states.
• Over 150,000 Eastern Europeans employed here. This has a positive impact as they must pay taxes which goes towards our NDP, Health and Education Services. They also support the Irish economy by buying houses, new food items, paying for goods and services. (New Polish markets/restaurants set up etc)
• Ireland has become a multicultural society. People adapting to working/socialising with and hearing these different languages.
• Schools have "multicultural days"/ English classes/ Irish meet and marry= Bi-lingual households etc

Hope that helps somewhat.

Trogdor

Thanks for that McGarnagle92:)

Trogdor

Anyone else have any more information for this question?