Ireland in Europe: Economy

Module code - MLA2006

This module examines the development of an increasingly integrated European financial and economic space, which is attempting to harmonize regulations, legislation and policies across Community borders, creating a single market and working towards full integration. Consideration is given to the rationale for such integration and an evaluation is made of the likely impact of these processes on European economic development and the policy environment. Political responses and the nature of cross-border institutions are also examined. In particular, Ireland's east-west and north-south economic and political relationships within the EU are explored and comparisons are made with other European regions. Measures to implement policy are assessed, and comparisons are examined within the context of EU regional development policy. The impact of European integration for Ireland is reviewed and legal, policy and economic implications are analysed throughout. The module comprise of two units: a) The context for European integration and b) Ireland and EU Economic Development.

The module objectives are designed so as to:

• Enable the students to recognise and describe salient aspects of current financial, political and economic arrangements within Europe.
• Understand the policy implications of these arrangements.
• Appreciate the treaty base, institutional and policy context of European integration.
• Investigate, understand and address associated issues in the form of case studies.
• And understand the implications of European integration for Ireland, north and south.

By the end of this module students should be able to:

• Analyse, evaluate and interpret current thinking on political, financial and economic arrangements within the EU.
• Demonstrate critical thinking and policy analysis.
• Use the library, ICT and other resources in searching for relevant information.
• Apply ICT skills in handling and displaying information.
• Work independently and in a team.
• And display effective written, oral and electronic communication skills.