The Irish Government is planning to privatise some state assets such as the National Lottery licence - Leaving Cert Economics - Question 4 - 2013

1. Improved quality and choice of services: Privatisation can lead to greater efficiency as private companies strive to maximize profits, potentially leading to higher quality services and greater choice for consumers.

2. Increased competitive pressure: When state assets are privatised, it often introduces competition in the market, which can lead to innovation and lower prices for consumers.

1. Loss of public accountability: Once a public sector entity is privatised, the oversight that government provides may diminish, potentially leading to issues of accountability and transparency in service delivery.

2. Possible job losses: Privatisation can lead to restructuring, which may result in job cuts and reduced employment opportunities as the newly privatized company seeks to reduce costs.

VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a consumption tax placed on goods and services at each stage of production or distribution, based on the value added at that stage. It is ultimately borne by the final consumer.

1. Revenue for public health initiatives: The tax could generate significant revenue for the government, which can be allocated to public health programs aimed at reducing obesity and promoting healthier lifestyles.

2. Reduction in sugar consumption: By making sugary drinks more expensive, a 'sugar tax' may deter consumers, leading to a decrease in sugar consumption and consequently improving public health outcomes.

1. Higher prices for consumers: Consumers may face higher prices for soft drinks, which could disproportionately affect lower-income households, limiting their purchasing power and making it harder for them to afford these goods.

Favour: Government revenue: This tax will help fund local councils and public services. Against: Regressive nature: It does not consider ability to pay, disproportionately impacting low-income households.

Favour: Decrease in government expenditure: This measure will help ease the financial difficulties of the government. Against: Decreased disposable income: Families rely on this benefit, and a reduction will mean less support for household expenses.

Favour: Revenue for colleges: This will help colleges fund their operations and improve services. Against: Increased financial burden on families: This fee adds to the costs of education, potentially deterring students from low-income backgrounds.