Photo AI
Having regard to the information provided above, discuss unemployment in Ireland - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2012
Question 3(a)
Having regard to the information provided above, discuss unemployment in Ireland. Analyse how each of the following has impacted on current rates of unemployment:... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Having regard to the information provided above, discuss unemployment in Ireland - Leaving Cert Home Economics - Question 3(a) - 2012
Step 1
Analyse how each of the following has impacted on current rates of unemployment: geographical location
Answer
Geographical location significantly affects unemployment rates in Ireland. Employment opportunities tend to be concentrated in urban areas, particularly in Dublin, while rural regions suffer from a lack of accessible jobs. Regions with high unemployment rates often coincide with a lack of infrastructure, which hampers economic development.
Additionally, individuals in border regions have less access to employment opportunities compared to those in more developed urban settings, further exacerbating regional disparities in employment.
Step 2
Analyse how each of the following has impacted on current rates of unemployment: the global economy
Answer
The global economy has a profound effect on local unemployment rates. The aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis led to reductions in demand for Irish exports, which in turn forced businesses to cut back on production and lay off employees.
Increased competition from other countries further pressured Irish industries, creating job losses and reduced hiring. As global markets struggled, Irish companies found it challenging to maintain employment levels, contributing to high unemployment rates during this period.
Step 3
Analyse how each of the following has impacted on current rates of unemployment: the level of demand for products and services.
Answer
The level of demand for products and services directly influences employment rates. In the wake of the financial crisis, decreased consumer spending led to a reduction in demand across various sectors, particularly retail and construction.
When demand falls, businesses often respond by laying off staff. For example, sectors reliant on discretionary spending faced significant layoffs, while industries with steadier demand experienced less volatility, highlighting the dependency of employment on consumer confidence and economic growth.
Step 4
Name and give details of one statutory response to creating employment.
Answer
One significant statutory response to creating employment is the role of Enterprise Ireland, which supports businesses in increasing exports and enhancing job creation. They provide financial assistance, advisory services, and various grants aimed at fostering entrepreneurship.
Additionally, initiatives such as the JobBridge scheme were introduced to provide work experience placements for unemployed individuals. This program offered internships to help job seekers gain valuable experience and skills, further facilitating their entry into the workforce.