Immigration to Ireland from the perspective of life in Ireland: The Republic of Ireland gained independence from British colonial rule in 1922 and is a peaceful and tranquil country. Ireland is a parliamentary republic. Additionally, Ireland is a member of the European Union, the Council of Europe, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the WorldWay Organization, and the United Nations. Ireland's economy ranks among the top in Europe and is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world, earning the title of "Celtic Tiger" due to its economic development.
This emerald isle boasts breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant urban life, and a tumultuous history. From Riverdance to passionate pop music, the entire island is infused with an artistic atmosphere.
The constitution stipulates that the state of Ireland is a republic, with the president directly elected by voters for a term of seven years. The president has the authority to convene and dissolve parliament, appoint the prime minister and ministers, and serve as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
Historically, Ireland was primarily an agricultural country, known as the "breadbasket of Europe." Since the 1980s, Ireland has driven national economic development through high-tech industries such as software and biotechnology, attracting significant foreign investment with its favorable investment environment, successfully transitioning from an agricultural economy to a knowledge-based economy. Since 1995, Ireland's national economy has experienced sustained high growth, making it one of the fastest-growing countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and earning it the title of "Celtic Tiger." The service sector is relatively developed, and Ireland's per capita income ranks among the highest in the world.
Ireland's education system is recognized worldwide for its long history and high educational standards. As early as the Middle Ages, Ireland was a leader in education in the Western world. Successive Irish governments have prioritized education as a key development direction, increasing investment and support. Ireland is one of the countries with the highest levels of education in the world, which has greatly contributed to its economic prosperity and creativity.
The Department of Education and Skills in Ireland is responsible for education and the formulation of educational systems and plans, including curriculum development and the management of national standardized examinations. The compulsory free education phase in Ireland lasts from ages 6 to 15. The majority of Irish people have received higher education. Traditionally, Ireland's education system is divided into three stages: primary education for 8 years; secondary education for 5-6 years; and higher education offering a wide range of courses, including vocational education, technical training, undergraduate, and postgraduate studies. In recent years, the Irish have gradually embraced the concept of "lifelong learning," with learning opportunities available everywhere.
Ireland is a high-welfare country, with various social welfare expenditures accounting for about one-quarter of regular government spending, surpassing countries like the United Kingdom and France, ranking eleventh in the world. The Irish social welfare system encompasses all internationally recognized forms of social security, integrating social insurance and social assistance programs to provide economic support for groups such as the elderly, the sick, and the unemployed. This system primarily includes support for job seekers, low-income individuals, exemptions or reductions in dental and optical medical fees, as well as various secondary benefits such as pensions, fuel allowances, television license fee subsidies, and telephone rental fee subsidies.