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 enhance the quality of services as private companies often strive for greater efficiency and customer satisfaction. Competition may lead to better offerings.

2. Increased Government Revenue: Selling state assets can generate immediate funds for the government, which can then be invested in public services or reduce national debt.

1. Risk of Reduced Access to Services: Privatisation might lead to a loss of essential services, especially for lower-income individuals, as the new owners may prioritize profit over public service.

2. Job Losses: The process may lead to redundancies as private firms streamline operations, resulting in workers losing their jobs.

VAT, or Value Added Tax, is a consumption tax placed on goods and services at each stage of production or distribution. It is collected incrementally based on the value added throughout the supply chain.

1. Health Improvement: A sugar tax aims to reduce sugar consumption, which can lead to better public health outcomes and lower healthcare costs in the long run.

2. Increased Government Revenue: The tax can generate additional funds for the government, which can be allocated to health initiatives or educational campaigns about nutrition.

1. Regressive Impact: The sugar tax may disproportionately affect lower-income consumers who spend a larger percentage of their income on basic goods, leading to greater financial strain on these households.

1. Government Revenue: The tax will provide a stable source of funding for local councils, enabling them to better manage public services and infrastructure projects.

1. Regressive Nature: The tax does not consider individual income levels and may burden those with lower abilities to pay, intensifying financial hardship for lower-income households.

1. Decreased Government Expenditure: Lowering child benefits can help reduce state spending, potentially improving the financial position of the government amid economic challenges.

1. Increased Child Poverty: Reducing benefits could lead to increased financial difficulties for families, contributing to higher levels of child poverty and associated social problems.

1. Revenue for Educational Institutions: The increased charges provide additional funding for colleges, allowing them to enhance resources and facilities, which could improve educational outcomes.

1. Barrier to Education: Higher registration fees may deter lower-income students from attending third-level education, perpetuating inequality in access to higher education.