Q&A: Irish Republic bail-out
- Published
The Republic of Ireland and the EU have agreed an 85bn euro rescue package to help tackle a huge hole in the government's finances.
As part of the package, the Irish government has drawn up an austerity programme detailing four years of tax rises and spending cuts.
How did the country get into this mess?
Hadn't the Irish government been insisting it didn't need bailing out?
They do this by issuing more bonds, which are effectively IOUs to investors.
Like many EU nations, the Irish Republic has seen higher unemployment and lower tax revenues
So why did the Irish Republic ask for a bail-out?
Where is the 85bn euros coming from?
What are the potential impacts for the UK?
The UK and the Republic are key trading partners
What is Dublin doing to sort out its finances?
Will this plan actually get implemented?
Why is the situation in the Irish Republic a worry to other countries?
