a considerable reduction in some tax areas. It was argued that the tax cut would cause inflation to rise faster than the pre-determined rate that the EU had planned in its budget (which is set until 2006). Minister McCreevy was informed of this, showing that the balance of power in this country has shifted since joining the EU and many people disagree with this. Europe will take us farSocialSocially, some people believe that Irish membership of the EU will lead to a loss of identity and a loss of our heritage. Irish is not an official language of the EU and many believe that this will lead to its further decline. It is said that membership of the EU is a threat to cultural diversity between member states, but the EU commission argue that membership along with EMU and the Euro will not be a threat to this as it will not affect the languages people speak, the books they read, the sports they play, their history, folk memories, customs or traditions. The European Union consists of a wide range of cultural diversitiesConclusionHaving completed this assignment, I feel that I have gained a great deal of knowledge about the European Community and how it will affect our country.In my own opinion, I would feel that, overall, Ireland’s membership of the EU is a great asset to the country. Being part of the EU will give untold opportunities to both consumer and employer alike, where a single market linked with a single currency pave the way for great expansion, leading to a great benefit to all. These benefits can already be seen around us, as the amount of traffic in our skies has increased, the cost of European air travel has plummeted, which can only be good for us, the consumer.The member states of Europe show the finest example of understanding, cooperation and jointly exercised democracy that the world has ever seen, and Western Europe has never enjoyed such a long period of peace as it does today.European citizens have the right to tr...
