nd. This seems not to have originated until the 11th century and there are indications that this idea was suggested by the many accounts of how the saint banished the demons of paganism from Ireland. The second is the association of the shamrock with him. It is said that Saint Patrick used the symbol of the trefoil stem of the shamrock to explain the Christian mystery of the Holy Trinity to the people, explaining that just as three leaves can spring from one stem so also are there three persons in one God. The current practice of wearing a shamrock on Saint Patricks Day is hardly more than a few centuries old. Banks and most businesses are closed on New Years Day (1 January), Saint Patricks Day (17 March), Good Friday and Easter Monday (March), May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May), June Bank Holiday (first Monday in June), August Bank Holiday (first Monday in August), Christmas Day (25 December).11Economic and Business InstitutionsIn recent years Ireland has established itself as Europes high-growth economy. Between 1993 and 1998 it grew by approximately 51%, almost three times as strongly as the rest of the industrialized world. The Irish economy has been characterized by high growth rates, low inflation, significant balance of payment surpluses and sound public finances. Irelands strong economic performance is expected to continue in the medium term, aided by partnership programs between the Government, trade unions and employers on the broad direction of economic and social policy.12The period from compulsory education is from six to fifteen years of age. Although children are not obliged to start school until the age of six, 51% of four year olds and almost all five year olds are enrolled in infant classes in primary schools. The educational system is directed by the Department of Education and Science. The primary education sector comprises primary schools, special schools and non-aided primary schools. It serves about 500,000 ch...
