Ireland

Ireland
Status	Independent State
Social and Moral Index	13rd best
Capital	Dublin
Land Area	68 890km21
Location	Europe
Population	4.8m2
Life Expectancy	82.00yrs (2017)3
GNI	$76 169 (2017)4
ISO3166-1 Codes	IE, IRL, 3725
Internet Domain	.ie6
Currency	Euro (EUR)7
Telephone	+3538

1. Overview
2. Ireland National and Social Development
3. Ireland's Demographics and Migration
4. Ireland's Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance
5. Ireland's Health
6. Ireland's Responsibility Towards The Environment
7. Ireland's Modernity and Learning
8. National Culture
9. Peace Versus Instability
10. Economic Inequality and Poverty
11. Religion and Beliefs
12. Christian Child Abuse in Ireland and the Catholic Church's Cover-ups
13. Links

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1. Overview

#eu #human_rights #ireland #UK

“Celtic tribes arrived on the island between 600 and 150 B.C. Invasions by Norsemen that began in the late 8th century were finally ended when King Brian BORU defeated the Danes in 1014. English invasions began in the 12th century and set off more than seven centuries of Anglo-Irish struggle marked by fierce rebellions and harsh repressions. A failed 1916 Easter Monday Rebellion touched off several years of guerrilla warfare that in 1921 resulted in independence from the UK for 26 southern counties; six northern (Ulster) counties remained part of the UK. In 1949, Ireland withdrew from the British Commonwealth; it joined the European Community in 1973. Irish governments have sought the peaceful unification of Ireland and have cooperated with Britain against terrorist groups. A peace settlement for Northern Ireland is gradually being implemented despite some difficulties. In 2006, the Irish and British governments developed and began to implement the St. Andrews Agreement, building on the Good Friday Agreement approved in 1998.”

CIA's The World Factbook (2013)₉

“A small island with a big reputation, helped along by a timeless, age-caressed landscape and a fascinating, friendly people, whose lyrical nature is expressed in the warmth of their welcome. You don´t have to look far to find the postcard-perfect Ireland: it exists along the peninsulas of the southwest, the brooding loneliness of Connemara and the dramatic wildness of County Donegal. You´ll find it in the lakelands of Counties Leitrim and Roscommon and the undulating hills of the southeast. Ireland has modernised dramatically, but some things never change. Brave the raging Atlantic on a crossing to Skellig Michael or spend a summer´s evening in the yard of a thatched-cottage pub and you´ll experience an Ireland that has changed little in generations, and is likely the Ireland you most came to see.

Ireland´s history and culture present themselves everywhere: from the breathtaking monuments of prehistoric Ireland at Brú na Bóinne to a traditional music session in a west-Ireland pub.Céad míle fáilte - a hundred thousand welcomes. It seems excessive, but in Ireland, excess is encouraged.”

"The World" by Lonely Planet (2014)₁₀

The EU has acted on behalf of its member states on many occasions to support, foster, fund and encourage human rights protections in every region of the world, with agreement of its member states through the European Parliament. The protections of workers' rights and their harmonisations (which stops companies moving staff to countries with the weakest laws) has had great effect in stopping workforce abuse₁₁. According to Human Rights Watch's comprehensive review for the year 2017, in addition to vocal and public pronouncements on poor human rights records of many countries, the EU has also acted through economic sanctions, political pressure and used other means to incentivize the adoption of human rights protections, even if these measures harm EU trading₁₂. It is to Ireland's credit that it supports the EU in these actions.

Despite all the good it does, now that the UK has left the EU, Ireland has become the EU's first port of call for tax evaders, helping the rich, tech corporations, and criminals, hide vast sums of money from authorities-->₁₃.

2. Ireland National and Social Development

#economics #human_development #wealth

UN HDI (2021)14
Pos.		Higher is better Value14
1	Switzerland	0.962
2	Norway	0.961
3	Iceland	0.959
4	Hong Kong	0.952
5	Australia	0.951
6	Denmark	0.948
7	Sweden	0.947
8	Ireland	0.945
9	Germany	0.942
10	Netherlands	0.941
11	Finland	0.940
12	Singapore	0.939
	Europe Avg	0.87
	World Avg	0.72
q=191.

Gross National Income Per-Capita (2021)14
Pos.		Higher is better PPP $14
1	Liechtenstein	$146 830
2	Singapore	$90 919
3	Qatar	$87 134
4	Luxembourg	$84 649
5	Ireland	$76 169
6	Switzerland	$66 933
7	USA	$64 765
8	Norway	$64 660
9	Brunei	$64 490
10	Hong Kong	$62 607
11	UAE	$62 574
12	Denmark	$60 365
	Europe Avg	$40 512
	World Avg	$20 136
q=193.

Social & Moral Development Index15
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank15
1	Denmark	27.4
2	Norway	27.6
3	Sweden	30.4
	...
10	UK	36.4
11	Austria	36.5
12	Canada	37.1
13	Ireland	37.1
14	Germany	38.0
15	Belgium	38.3
16	France	39.3
17	Luxembourg	40.3
	Europe Avg	57.5
	World Avg	89.7
q=198.

The United Nations produces an annual Human Development Report which includes the Human Development Index. The factors taken into account include life expectancy, education and schooling and Gross National Income (GNI) amongst many others..

The Social and Moral Development Index concentrates on moral issues and human rights, violence, public health, equality, tolerance, freedom and effectiveness in climate change mitigation and environmentalism, and on some technological issues. A country scores higher for achieving well in those areas, and for sustaining that achievement in the long term. Those countries towards the top of this index can truly said to be setting good examples and leading humankind onwards into a bright, humane, and free future. See: Which are the Best Countries in the World? The Social and Moral Development Index.

3. Ireland's Demographics and Migration

#birth_control #demographics #fertility #health #immigration #life_expectancy #longevity #migration #overpopulation #population #yemen

Population:

Ireland's population is predicted to rise to 5.356 million by 2030. This rise is despite a low fertility rate, meaning, that this country is helping to alleviate problems with growing population in neighbouring countries by accepting immigrants, very likely as a requirement of maintaining an active workforce. This country has a fertility rate of 1.70. The fertility rate is, in simple terms, the average amount of children that each woman has. The higher the figure, the quicker the population will grow, although, to calculate the rate you also need to take into account morbidity - the rate at which people die. If people live healthy and long lives and morbidity is low, then, 2.0 approximates to the replacement rate (two new children for each set of parents who die), which would keep the population stable. If all countries had such a fertility rate, population growth would end. The actual replacement rate in most developed countries is around 2.1. The highest fertility rate ever detected in a single year was in Yemen in 1985, at 8.86.₁₆

Population2
Pos.		2018 Population2
1	China	1.4b
2	India	1.4b
3	USA	327.1m
	...
120	Palestine	4.9m
121	Oman	4.8m
122	Liberia	4.8m
123	Ireland	4.8m
124	New Zealand	4.7m
125	Central African Rep.	4.7m
126	Mauritania	4.4m
127	Panama	4.2m
	World Avg	39.0m
q=195.

Life Expectancy Higher is better14
Pos.		2021 Years14
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
18	New Zealand	82.5
19	Israel	82.3
20	Finland	82.0
21	Ireland	82.0
22	Belgium	81.9
23	Netherlands	81.7
24	Austria	81.6
25	Denmark	81.4
	World Avg	71.28
q=195.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best17
Pos.		202217
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
39	Nicaragua	2.28
40	Panama	2.30
41	Morocco	2.30
42	Ireland	1.70
43	Colombia	1.69
44	French Polynesia	1.69
45	Iran	1.68
46	Seychelles	2.32
	World Avg	2.47
q=208.

Old-Age Dependency Ratio Lower is better18
Pos.		2016 Per 10018
1	Uganda	04.3
2	Mali	04.5
3=	Chad	04.7
	...
136	Luxembourg	28.3
137	Armenia	28.7
138=	Thailand	29.2
138=	Ireland	29.2
140	Russia	29.5
141	Georgia	29.7
142	Montenegro	30.0
143	Belarus	30.3
	World Avg	18.3
q=185.

• The Population of the Earth
• Abortion, Birth Control and Contraception

Migration:

Immigrants19
Pos.		2017 %19
1	UAE	88.4%
2	Kuwait	75.5%
3	Qatar	65.2%
	...
25	Austria	19.0%
26	Sweden	17.6%
27	Equatorial Guinea	17.5%
28	Ireland	16.9%
29	Cyprus	16.0%
30	Belize	16.0%
31	San Marino	15.7%
32	Bahamas	15.6%
	World Avg	9.4%
q=195.

Emigrants20
Pos.		2010 %20
1	Dominica	104.8%
2	Palestine	68.4%
3	Samoa	67.3%
	...
35	Liechtenstein	17.1%
36	Cyprus	17.0%
37	Marshall Islands	16.6%
38	Ireland	16.1%
39	Belize	16.1%
40	Azerbaijan	16.0%
41	Bulgaria	16.0%
42	Lebanon	15.6%
	World Avg	11.5%
q=192.

4. Ireland's Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance

#antisemitism #equality #freedom #freethought #gender #gender_equality #homosexuality #human_rights #international_law #ireland #mass_media #misogyny #morals #politics #prejudice #religious_tolerance #slavery #tolerance #women

Compared to Europe (2025)21
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank21
1	Sweden	8.5
2	Denmark	13.5
3	Norway	13.5
	...
14	Slovenia	30.7
15	Italy	34.4
16	Czechia	34.8
17	Ireland	35.3
18	Slovakia	38.7
19	Portugal	39.4
20	Estonia	39.6
21	Cyprus	42.8
22	Poland	43.7
	Europe Avg	51.0
q=49.

Human Rights, Equality & Tolerance (2025)21
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank21
1	Sweden	8.5
2	Denmark	13.5
3	Norway	13.5
	...
20	Costa Rica	33.7
21	Italy	34.4
22	Czechia	34.8
23	Ireland	35.3
24	Chile	37.0
25	Slovakia	38.7
26	Japan	38.8
27	Portugal	39.4
	World Avg	87.8
q=200.

The best countries in the world at ensuring human rights, fostering equality and promoting tolerance, are Sweden, Denmark and Norway₂₂. These countries are displaying the best traits that humanity has to offer. The worst countries are Somalia, The Vatican City and Sudan₂₂.

The data sets used to calculate points for each country are statistics on supporting press freedom, eliminating modern slavery, supporting personal, civil & economic freedoms, its average Freedom in the World rating, commentary in Human Rights Watch reports, its nominal commitment to Human Rights, speed of uptake of HR treaties, opposing gender inequality, the rate of gender bias (from 7 indicators), the year from which women could participate in democracy, its success in fighting anti-semitic prejudice, LGBT equality and freethought. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Baltic States and Europe₂₂, whereas the worst are Melanesia, The Middle East and Micronesia₂₂.

For more, see:

• " Which are the Best Countries for Human Rights, Equality and Tolerance?" by Vexen Crabtree (2025).

Human Rights & Tolerance:

Press Freedom Lower is better23
Pos.		201323
1	Finland	638
2	Netherlands	648
3	Norway	652
	...
12	Austria	940
13	Jamaica	988
14	Switzerland	994
15	Ireland	1006
16	Czechia	1017
17	Germany	1024
18	Costa Rica	1208
19	Namibia	1250
	Europe Avg	2044
	World Avg	3249
q=178.

Slavery Lower is better24
Pos.		2018 % Victims24
1	Japan	0.03
2=	Canada	0.05
2=	Taiwan	0.05
	...
16	Denmark	0.16
17=	Paraguay	0.16
17=	Sweden	0.16
19	Ireland	0.17
20=	Lebanon	0.17
20=	UAE	0.17
20=	Finland	0.17
20=	Austria	0.17
	Europe Avg	0.38
	World Avg	0.65
q=167.

Personal, Civil & Economic Freedom Lower is better25
Pos.		2014 Rank25
1	Hong Kong	1
2	Switzerland	2
3	New Zealand	3
4	Ireland	4
5	Denmark	5
6=	UK	6
6=	Canada	6
6=	Australia	6
9	Finland	9
10	Netherlands	10
11=	Luxembourg	11
11=	Austria	11
	Europe Avg	33.9
	World Avg	79.7
q=159.

Freedom in the World Lower is better
Pos.		2024 Score
1=	Norway	1.0
1=	Canada	1.0
1=	Cape Verde	1.0
	...
18=	Micronesia	1.0
18=	Iceland	1.0
18=	Marshall Islands	1.0
18=	Ireland	1.0
18=	Italy	1.0
18=	Japan	1.0
18=	Luxembourg	1.0
18=	Kiribati	1.0
	Europe Avg	2.2
	World Avg	3.7
q=205.

Human Rights Watch Comments Higher is better26
Pos.		2017 Score26
1=	UK	9
1=	France	9
1=	Germany	9
4	Canada	8
5=	Netherlands	8
6	Sweden	7
7=	Ireland	7
8	Finland	6
9=	Luxembourg	6
9=	Belgium	6
11	Greece	5
12=	Cyprus	5
	Europe Avg	3.5
	World Avg	-1.9
q=123.

Nominal Commitment to HR Higher is better27
Pos.		2009 Treaties27
1	Argentina	24
2=	Chile	23
2=	Costa Rica	23
	...
62	Kazakhstan	19
63=	Luxembourg	19
63=	Greece	19
63=	Ireland	19
66	Lithuania	18
67=	Moldova	18
67=	Kyrgyzstan	18
67=	Philippines	18
	Europe Avg	19.5
	World Avg	15.1
q=194.

HR Treaties Lag Lower is better28
Pos.		2019 Avg Yrs/Treaty28
1	Ecuador	2.15
2	Uruguay	2.25
3	Tunisia	3.65
	...
156	Vanuatu	13.21
157	Guinea-Bissau	13.23
158	Liechtenstein	13.28
159	Ireland	13.38
160	Oman	13.46
161	Uzbekistan	13.53
162	Mauritania	13.56
163	Liberia	13.61
	Europe Avg	9.09
	World Avg	10.02
q=195.

Amnesty International's 2023-23 summary on human rights in Ireland stated:

“Criminalization of aspects of sex work put sex workers at higher risk of violence. The UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) found inadequacies in redress schemes for women and children who had resided or been confined in state-funded institutions, and for women subjected to surgical procedures during childbirth without their informed consent. Concerns continued over access to adequate housing, including for Ukrainians and other refugees. Objections were raised over plans to introduce facial recognition technology in policing public spaces.”

"The State of the World's Human Rights 2022/23" by Amnesty International (2023)₂₉

Gender Equality:

Ireland is on the way towards ending gender inequality.

See:

• "Religion Versus Womankind" by Vexen Crabtree

Gender Inequality Lower is better30
Pos.		201530
1	Switzerland	0.04
2	Denmark	0.04
3	Netherlands	0.04
	...
23	Greece	0.12
24	Australia	0.12
25	Lithuania	0.12
26	Ireland	0.13
27	Czechia	0.13
28	UK	0.13
29	Estonia	0.13
30	Poland	0.14
	Europe Avg	0.15
	World Avg	0.36
q=159.

Year Women Can Vote Lower is better
Pos.		Total Year
1	New Zealand	1893
2	Australia	1902
3	Finland	1906
	...
25=	Azerbaijan	1921
25=	Armenia	1921
25=	Georgia	1921
28	Ireland	1922
29=	Tajikistan	1924
29=	Mongolia	1924
29=	St Lucia	1924
32	Turkmenistan	1927
	Europe Avg	1895
	World Avg	1930
q=189.

Prejudice:

Anti-Semite Opinions Lower is better31
Pos.		2014 %31
1	Laos	0
2	Philippines	3
3	Sweden	4
	...
22=	Uganda	16
23	Jamaica	18
24=	India	20
24=	Ireland	20
24=	Italy	20
24=	China	20
28	Portugal	21
29=	Ivory Coast	22
	Europe Avg	29.9
	World Avg	36.8
q=101.

LGBT Equality Higher is better32
Pos.		2017 Score32
1	Netherlands	103
2	Belgium	90
3	Sweden	86
	...
21	Colombia	58
22	Finland	57
23	Austria	56
24	Ireland	53
25=	Ecuador	50
25=	Australia	50
25=	Peru	50
28	Hungary	49
	Europe Avg	46.9
	World Avg	12.6
q=196.

Freedom of Thought Lower is better33
Pos.		202133
1=	Belgium	1.0
1=	Netherlands	1.0
1=	Taiwan	1.0
	...
72	Georgia	2.8
73=	Malta	2.8
73=	Jamaica	2.8
73=	Ireland	2.8
73=	Nepal	2.8
73=	Gambia	2.8
73=	Haiti	2.8
73=	Montenegro	2.8
	Europe Avg	2.6
	World Avg	3.0
q=196.

5. Ireland's Health

#alcohol #birth_control #demographics #health #ireland #life_expectancy #longevity #mental_health #obesity #overpopulation #parenting #population #smoking #suicide #vaccines

Compared to Europe (2020)34
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank34
1	Monaco	13.0
2	Liechtenstein	50.0
3	Norway	66.3
	...
13	Italy	81.9
14	Netherlands	82.1
15	Luxembourg	83.0
16=	Ireland	83.6
16=	UK	83.6
18	Portugal	84.3
19	Spain	84.4
20	Germany	84.5
21	Greece	86.0
	Europe Avg	87.7
q=47.

Health (2020)34
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank34
1	Monaco	13.0
2	Maldives	41.7
3	Sri Lanka	43.1
	...
48	UAE	82.5
49	Luxembourg	83.0
50	Brazil	83.5
51=	Ireland	83.6
51=	UK	83.6
53	Australia	84.1
54=	Guyana	84.3
54=	Portugal	84.3
	World Avg	95.1
q=198.

The countries with the best overall approach to public health, in terms of both public policy and individual lifestyle choices, are Monaco, The Maldives and Sri Lanka₃₅. These countries are worth emulating. And, although often through no fault of the average citizen, the worst countries are S. Sudan, The Marshall Islands and Nigeria₃₅.

The data sets used to calculate points for each country are its average life expectancy, its alcohol consumption rate, its fertility rate, its smoking rate, its suicide rate, its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance, the prevalence of overweight adults, its adolescent birth rate and its immunizations take-up. The regions with the best average results per country are Scandinavia, Asia and The Mediterranean₃₅, whereas the worst are Micronesia, Africa and Australasia₃₅.

For more, see:

• "Countries With the Healthiest Cultures and Health Policies" by Vexen Crabtree (2020).

Health:

Ireland does relatively well in encouraging good health, compared to many other countries. Ireland does the second-best when it comes to its food aid and health contributions and WHO compliance₃₆. It does better than average for its average life expectancy₁₄, its adolescent birth rate₃₀ and in its fertility rate₁₇. But, things still need to improve in Ireland. Ireland does worse than average in terms of its suicide rate₃₇, its smoking rate₃₈ (still low for Europe) and in its immunizations take-up₃₉. And finally, it sits amongst the bottom 20 when it comes to its alcohol consumption rate₄₀. The number of overweight adults has increased by 14% between 1976 and 2016. Life expectancy in Ireland improved by +7.4yrs in the 30 years from 1990, on par with the global average improvement of +7.9yrs. Ireland's peak fertility rate was 4.07 in 1964.

Life Expectancy Higher is better14
Pos.		2021 Years14
1	Monaco	85.9
2	Hong Kong	85.5
3	Japan	84.8
	...
18	New Zealand	82.5
19	Israel	82.3
20	Finland	82.0
21	Ireland	82.0
22	Belgium	81.9
23	Netherlands	81.7
24	Austria	81.6
25	Denmark	81.4
	Europe Avg	78.36
	World Avg	71.28
q=195.

Alcohol Consumption Lower is better40
Pos.		2016 Per Capita40
1	Bangladesh	0.0
2	Kuwait	0.0
3	Libya	0.0
	...
181=	Bulgaria	12.7
182	Latvia	12.9
183=	Luxembourg	13.0
183=	Ireland	13.0
185	Nigeria	13.4
186=	Germany	13.4
187	Czechia	14.4
188	Lithuania	15.0
	Europe Avg	10.3
	World Avg	6.2
q=189.

Fertility Rate 2.0 is best17
Pos.		202217
1	US Virgin Islands	2.00
2	Ecuador	2.00
3	Nepal	2.01
	...
39	Nicaragua	2.28
40	Panama	2.30
41	Morocco	2.30
42	Ireland	1.70
43	Colombia	1.69
44	French Polynesia	1.69
45	Iran	1.68
46	Seychelles	2.32
	Europe Avg	1.53
	World Avg	2.47
q=208.

Smoking Rates Lower is better38
Pos.		201438
1	Guinea	15
2	Solomon Islands	26
3	Kiribati	28
	...
114	Thailand	895
115	Turkmenistan	92541
116	Chile	930
117	Ireland	954
118	Australia	956
119	Mongolia	957
120	Bahrain	969
121	France	993
	Europe Avg	1 648
	World Avg	819
q=182.

Suicide Rate37
Pos.		2013 Per 100k37
1	Haiti	0
2	Grenada	0
3	Egypt	0.1
	...
55	Canada	22.7
56	Iceland	23.5
57	New Zealand	23.6
58	Ireland	23.7
59	Norway	23.8
60=	Denmark	23.9
60=	Germany	23.9
62	Cuba	24.5
	Europe Avg	26.99
	World Avg	20.93
q=91.

Food Aid, Health Contributions & WHO Compliance Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Sweden	1
2	Ireland	2
3	Denmark	3
4	UK	4
5	Norway	5
6	Switzerland	6
7	Germany	7
8	Canada	8
9	Netherlands	9
10	USA	10
11	Luxembourg	11
12	Finland	12
	Europe Avg	47.4
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Overweight Adults Lower is better42
Pos.		2016 %42
1	Vietnam	18.3
2	India	19.7
3	Bangladesh	20.0
	...
140	El Salvador	59.9
141	Dominica	60.3
142	Morocco	60.4
143	Ireland	60.6
144	Dominican Rep.	61.2
145	Syria	61.4
146=	Spain	61.6
146=	Hungary	61.6
	Europe Avg	58.5
	World Avg	49.0
q=191.

Children's Health:

Adolescent Birth Rate Lower is better30
Pos.		2015 Per 100030
1	N. Korea	0.5
2	S. Korea	1.6
3	Switzerland	2.9
	...
33	Kuwait	9.8
34	Portugal	9.9
35	Czechia	9.9
36	Ireland	10.4
37	Algeria	10.6
38	Qatar	10.7
39	Lithuania	11.0
40	Montenegro	12.2
	Europe Avg	14.6
	World Avg	47.9
q=185.

Infant Immunizations 2011-2015 Higher is better39
Pos.		2015 Avg %39
1=	Hungary	99.0
1=	China	99.0
3	Uzbekistan	98.9
	...
121	Zimbabwe	89.7
122	Senegal	89.5
123	Peru	89.3
124	Ireland	89.2
125	Sudan	89.2
126	Honduras	88.8
127	Kenya	88.5
128	Costa Rica	88.5
	Europe Avg	92.7
	World Avg	88.3
q=194.

6. Ireland's Responsibility Towards The Environment

#biodiversity #climate_change #deforestation #energy #food #ireland #meat #over-exploitation #sustainability #the_environment #veganism #vegetarianism

Compared to Europe (2023)43
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank43
1	Greece	50.4
2	Italy	51.8
3	Germany	55.8
	...
25	Albania	79.8
26	Belarus	81.5
27	Belgium	82.2
28	Ireland	82.4
29	Ukraine	83.2
30=	Malta	83.5
31	Slovenia	85.5
32	Turkey	92.2
33	Estonia	95.8
	Europe Avg	79.9
q=43.

Responsibility Towards The Environment (2023)43
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank43
1	Japan	33.2
2	Philippines	45.0
3	Uruguay	48.0
	...
85=	Cameroon	82.0
86	Belgium	82.2
87	Djibouti	82.3
88	Ireland	82.4
89	Iran	82.6
90	Ukraine	83.2
91	Hong Kong	83.3
92=	Malta	83.5
	World Avg	85.7
q=188.

Ireland is 88th in the world when it comes to its responsibility towards the environment. This rank is derived from 7 data sets. Ireland comes in the best 20 when it comes to energy to GDP efficiency₄₄ (one of the best in Europe), its environmental performance₄₅, its forested percent change 2000-2020₄₆ and in its score on the Green Future Index₄₇. Ireland does not succeed in everything, however. Ireland does worse than average in the rate of rational beliefs on the environment in the population₄₈, reducing annual meat consumption per person₄₉ and in how quickly it ratified the 1993 Convention on Biological Diversity.

Environmental Performance Higher is better45
Pos.		201845
1	Switzerland	87.4
2	France	84.0
3	Denmark	81.6
4	Malta	80.9
5	Sweden	80.5
6	UK	79.9
7	Luxembourg	79.1
8	Austria	79.0
9	Ireland	78.8
10	Finland	78.6
11	Iceland	78.6
12	Spain	78.4
	Europe Avg	69.6
	World Avg	56.4
q=180.

Energy to GDP Efficiency Higher is better44
Pos.		201444
1	Hong Kong	26.32
2	Sri Lanka	20.00
3	Panama	17.86
4=	Colombia	17.54
4=	Ireland	17.54
4=	Switzerland	17.54
7	Dominican Rep.	16.95
8	Mauritius	15.63
9=	Malta	15.15
9=	Singapore	15.15
11	Denmark	14.93
12	Peru	14.49
	Europe Avg	09.80
	World Avg	09.29
q=119.

Convention on Biological Diversity Earlier is better
Pos.		Total Signed
1=	China	1993 Dec 29
1=	Guinea	1993 Dec 29
1=	Cook Islands	1993 Dec 29
	...
144	Madagascar	1996 Jun 02
145	Tanzania	1996 Jun 06
146	Eritrea	1996 Jun 19
147	Ireland	1996 Jun 20
148	Bulgaria	1996 Jul 16
149	Rwanda	1996 Aug 27
150	St Vincent & Grenadines	1996 Sep 01
151	Slovenia	1996 Oct 07
	Europe Avg	1899 Dec 30
	World Avg	1899 Dec 30
q=197.

Rational Beliefs on the Environment Higher is better48
Pos.		2011 %48
1	Argentina	78.3%
2	Greece	77.6%
3	Brazil	77.1%
	...
96	Macedonia	30.1%
97	Senegal	29.6%
98	Comoros	28.3%
99	Ireland	27.9%
100	Israel	27.6%
101	Palestine	27.5%
102	Saudi Arabia	27.2%
103	Belgium	26.9%
	Europe Avg	33.6%
	World Avg	39.9%
q=145.

Meat Consumption Lower is better49
Pos.		2021 kg49
1	Congo, DR	03.0
2	Burundi	03.5
3	Bangladesh	04.3
	...
141	Russia	78.4
142	Bolivia	78.4
143	Grenada	78.6
144	Ireland	80.2
145	Kuwait	81.3
146	New Zealand	81.4
147	S. Korea	81.5
148	Dominica	81.6
	Europe Avg	71.1
	World Avg	52.5
q=185.

In the 2010s, meat consumption per person in Ireland was well above the global average (of 49kgs per year), putting unnecessary strain on water supplies and the environment.₄₉

Green Future Index Higher is better47
Pos.		2023 Score47
1	Iceland	6.7
2	Finland	6.7
3	Norway	6.4
	...
11=	Germany	5.9
12	Belgium	5.8
13	Italy	5.7
14=	Ireland	5.7
14=	Canada	5.7
16	Luxembourg	5.6
17	Greece	5.6
18	Portugal	5.5
	Europe Avg	5.6
	World Avg	4.8
q=76.

7. Ireland's Modernity and Learning

#education #english #intelligence #ireland #it_security #maths #modernity #religion #religiosity #research #science #secularisation #technology #the_internet

Compared to Europe (2020)51
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank51
1	Finland	7.7
2	Switzerland	14.7
3	Denmark	14.8
	...
10	Iceland	19.6
11	UK	20.4
12	Norway	21.3
13	Ireland	21.7
14	Slovenia	22.4
15	Luxembourg	22.6
16	Netherlands	22.6
17	Faroe Islands	24.0
18	Hungary	25.3
	Europe Avg	40.6
q=49.

Modernity & Learning (2020)51
Pos.		Lower is better Avg Rank51
1	Finland	7.7
2	Taiwan	10.0
3	Switzerland	14.7
	...
14	Australia	20.8
15	Japan	21.0
16	Norway	21.3
17	Ireland	21.7
18	Canada	21.9
19	Slovenia	22.4
20	Luxembourg	22.6
21	Netherlands	22.6
	World Avg	82.7
q=205.

Modernity and Education:

In the 1990s, Ireland was one of only ten countries to increase its expected duration of education by over 3 years. ₅₂

Research & Development Higher is better
Pos.		2016 % RDP PPP
1	S. Korea	4.2953
2	Israel	4.1153
3	Japan	3.5853
	...
20=	Norway	1.7053
20=	UK	1.7053
22	Canada	1.6153
23	Ireland	1.5253
24	Estonia	1.4353
25	Hungary	1.3753
26	Italy	1.2953
27	Portugal	1.2853
	Europe Avg	1.32
	World Avg	0.84
q=126.

Secondary Education Higher is better54
Pos.		201854
1=	Luxembourg	100.0%
1=	Estonia	100.0%
1=	Austria	100.0%
	...
45	Sweden	88.9%
46	Mongolia	88.8%
47	Bahamas	88.4%
48	Ireland	88.3%
49	Netherlands	88.3%
50	Cuba	87.4%
51	Poland	85.3%
52	Belgium	84.8%
	Europe Avg	88.3%
	World Avg	63.0%
q=169.

Length of Schooling Higher is better55
Pos.		2021 Years55
1	Australia	21.1
2	New Zealand	20.3
3	Greece	20.0
4	Belgium	19.6
5	Sweden	19.4
6	Iceland	19.2
7	Finland	19.1
8	Ireland	18.9
9	Denmark	18.7
10	Netherlands	18.7
11	Grenada	18.7
12	Turkey	18.3
	Europe Avg	16.1
	World Avg	13.5
q=193.

Intellectual Endeavours Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Ukraine	1
2	Czechia	2
3	Hungary	3
	...
29	Canada	29
30	Romania	30
31	Cyprus	31
32	Ireland	32
33	Croatia	33
34	Israel	34
35	Barbados	35
36	Estonia	36
	Europe Avg	31.3
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Maths, Science & Reading Higher is better56
Pos.		2015 Score56
1	Singapore	1655
2	Hong Kong	1598
3	Japan	1586
	...
8	Finland	1568
9	S. Korea	1557
10	China	154357
11=	Ireland	1528
11=	Slovenia	1528
13	Germany	1524
14=	Netherlands	1524
15	Switzerland	1519
	Europe Avg	1417
	World Avg	1389
q=70.

Religiosity Lower is better58
Pos.		2018 %58
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
24	Netherlands	20
25=	Italy	21
25=	Belarus	21
27	Ireland	22
28=	Kazakhstan	22
28=	Spain	22
30	Slovakia	23
31=	Ukraine	23
	Europe Avg	25.8
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

IQ Higher is better59
Pos.		200659
1=	Hong Kong	108
1=	Singapore	108
3	S. Korea	106
	...
45=	Georgia	94
46	Argentina	93
47=	Bulgaria	93
48	Ireland	92
49=	Malaysia	92
49=	Greece	92
51	Brunei	91
52=	Thailand	91
	Europe Avg	96.6
	World Avg	85.6
q=138.

Technology and Information:

Internet Users Higher is better60
Pos.		201660
1	Iceland	100%
2	Faroe Islands	99%
3	Norway	98%
	...
33=	Slovakia	83%
34	Spain	82%
35	Austria	81%
36	Ireland	81%
37	Barbados	80%
38	Hungary	80%
39	Kuwait	80%
40	Malta	80%
	Europe Avg	76.7%
	World Avg	48.1%
q=201.

IT Security Lower is better61
Pos.		201361
1=	Ireland	0.11
1=	Luxembourg	0.11
1=	Belize	0.11
4	Hong Kong	0.12
5	Mexico	0.16
6	Israel	0.20
7	Colombia	0.22
8=	S. Africa	0.22
8=	Japan	0.22
10	Philippines	0.24
11	Czechia	0.24
12	Argentina	0.27
	Europe Avg	0.80
	World Avg	0.98

IPv6 Uptake Higher is better62
Pos.		2017 Ratio62
1	Belgium	55.4
2	Germany	41.8
3	Switzerland	35.1
4	USA	35.0
5	Greece	33.5
6	Luxembourg	32.4
7	India	26.8
8	Portugal	26.6
9	Ireland	26.1
10	UK	24.7
11	Japan	22.1
12	France	18.8
	Europe Avg	8.11
	World Avg	3.82
q=176.

Digital Quality of Life Higher is better63
Pos.		202463
1	Germany	77.9%
2	Finland	76.9%
3	France	73.9%
	...
19	Belgium	66.1%
20=	Poland	66.0%
20=	S. Korea	66.0%
22	Ireland	65.9%
23	Israel	65.4%
24	Norway	64.5%
25	Canada	63.4%
26	Italy	63.3%
	Europe Avg	61.0%
	World Avg	48.4%
q=121.

8. National Culture

#charity #corruption #happiness #morals #politics

Ireland has one of the best records on keeping corruption low, and has spent the last ten years making things even better.

World Giving Index Higher is better64
Pos.		2022 %64
1	Indonesia	68.0
2	Kenya	61.0
3	USA	59.0
	...
8=	Canada	51.0
9	Zambia	50.0
10=	Ukraine	49.0
10=	Ireland	49.0
12	Czechia	48.0
13=	Nigeria	48.0
13=	Thailand	48.0
15	Guinea	47.0
	Europe Avg	39.0
	World Avg	39.6
q=125.

Corruption Higher is better65
Pos.		2022 Points65
1	Denmark	90.0
2=	Finland	87.0
2=	New Zealand	87.0
	...
7	Switzerland	82.0
8	Netherlands	80.0
9	Germany	79.0
10=	Ireland	77.0
10=	Luxembourg	77.0
12	Hong Kong	76.0
13	Australia	75.0
14=	Estonia	74.0
	Europe Avg	57.61
	World Avg	42.98
q=180.

Happiness Higher is better66
Pos.		2018 Score66
1	Finland	7.6
2	Norway	7.6
3	Denmark	7.6
	...
11	Israel	7.2
12	Austria	7.1
13	Costa Rica	7.1
14	Ireland	7.0
15	Germany	7.0
16	Belgium	6.9
17	Luxembourg	6.9
18	USA	6.9
	Europe Avg	6.06
	World Avg	5.38
q=156.

Creativity & Culture Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Belgium	1
2	Netherlands	2
3	Estonia	3
4	Switzerland	4
5	Sweden	5
6	Denmark	6
7	Austria	7
8	Ireland	8
9	Czechia	9
10	Luxembourg	10
11	UK	11
12	Portugal	12
	Europe Avg	35.0
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Open Trading, Aid & Development Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Ireland	1
2	Denmark	2
3	Sweden	3
4	Netherlands	4
5	Switzerland	5
6	Serbia	6
7	Belgium	7
8	Norway	8
9	Finland	9
10	Croatia	10
11	Georgia	11
12	Philippines	12
	Europe Avg	42.6
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

9. Peace Versus Instability

#extremism #human_development #peace #politics #religious_violence #terrorism

Global Peace Index Lower is better67
Pos.		2023 Score67
1	Iceland	1.12
2	Denmark	1.31
3	Ireland	1.31
4	New Zealand	1.31
5	Austria	1.32
6	Singapore	1.33
7	Portugal	1.33
8	Slovenia	1.33
9	Japan	1.34
10	Switzerland	1.34
11	Canada	1.35
12	Czechia	1.38
	Europe Avg	1.70
	World Avg	2.07
q=163.

Peacekeeping & Security Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Samoa	1
2	S. Africa	2
3	Tunisia	3
	...
47	Philippines	47
48	UK	48
49	Timor-Leste (E. Timor)	49
50	Ireland	50
51	Norway	51
52	Finland	52
53	France	53
54	Australia	54
	Europe Avg	84.6
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Refugees & UN Treaties Lower is better36
Pos.		2017 Rank36
1	Austria	1
2	Germany	2
3	Netherlands	3
	...
18	Slovenia	18
19	New Zealand	19
20	Luxembourg	20
21	Ireland	21
22	Costa Rica	22
23	Thailand	23
24	Poland	24
25	S. Africa	25
	Europe Avg	37.8
	World Avg	82.0
q=163.

Impact of Terrorism Lower is better68
Pos.		2019 Score68
1	Togo	0.00
2	Mongolia	0.00
3	Swaziland	0.00
	...
79	Ivory Coast	2.60
80	Australia	2.65
81	Congo, (Brazzaville)	2.69
82	Ireland	2.69
83	Zimbabwe	2.83
84	Peru	2.84
85	Rwanda	2.95
86	Nicaragua	2.95
	Europe Avg	1.62
	World Avg	2.78
q=150.

10. Economic Inequality and Poverty

#capitalism #economics #health #inequality #life_expectancy #social_development

Inequality in Life Expectancy Lower is better69
Pos.		201969
1	Iceland	2.40
2=	Singapore	2.50
2=	Hong Kong	2.50
	...
13	Italy	3.10
14	Israel	3.30
15=	Luxembourg	3.40
15=	Ireland	3.40
17	Portugal	3.50
18=	Greece	3.50
18=	Switzerland	3.50
20	Belgium	3.60
	Europe Avg	4.86
	World Avg	14.59
q=184.

Income Inequality (Gini Coefficient) Lower is better70
Pos.		2023 %70
1	Slovakia	24.1%71
2	Slovenia	24.3%71
3	Belarus	24.4%72
	...
32=	Pakistan	29.6%73
33	Sweden	29.8%71
34	Nepal	30.0%74
35	Ireland	30.1%71
36=	Myanmar (Burma)	30.7%75
36=	Fiji	30.7%76
36=	Austria	30.7%71
39	Uzbekistan	31.2%74
	Europe Avg	30.7%
	World Avg	36.5%
q=167.

11. Religion and Beliefs

#belief #buddhism #christianity #god #hinduism #islam #judaism #religion #religiosity #secularisation

Religiosity (2018)58
Pos.		Lower is better %58
1	China	3
2	Estonia	6
3	Czechia	7
	...
24	Netherlands	20
25=	Italy	21
25=	Belarus	21
27	Ireland	22
28=	Kazakhstan	22
28=	Spain	22
30	Slovakia	23
31=	Ukraine	23
32	Canada	27
33=	Uzbekistan	29
33=	Uruguay	29
35	Poland	30
36	Serbia	34
37=	Israel	36
37=	Portugal	36
39	Azerbaijan	38
	World Avg	54.3
q=106.

Disbelief In God (2007)77
Pos.		Higher is better %77
1	Vietnam	81
2	Japan	65
3	Sweden	64
	...
48=	Moldova	6
48=	Italy	6
50	Laos	5
51=	Ireland	5
51=	Mozambique	5
53	Zimbabwe	4
54=	Namibia	4
54=	Iran	4
54=	Mexico	4
54=	Portugal	4
54=	Romania	4
54=	Argentina	4
54=	Georgia	4
54=	Uzbekistan	4
62	Lebanon	3
63=	Congo, (Brazzaville)	3
	World Avg	9.9
q=137.

Data from the Pew Forum, a professional polling outfit, states that in 2010 the religious makeup of this country was as follows in the table below₇₈:

Christian	92%
Muslim	1.1%
Hindu	0.2%
Buddhist	0.2%
Folk Religion	0.2%
Jewish	0.1%
Unaffiliated	6.2%

It appears that when asked "What religion are you" many give pollsters the 'correct' answer despite how they actually feel, and despite what they actually believe. Although 93.8% of the populace say they belong to a religion, only 22% say that they are religious when the question is phrased as "Is religion an important part of your daily life?".

For more on this phenomenon, see:

• "Institutionalized Religions Have Their Numbers Inflated by National Polls" by Vexen Crabtree

The CIA World Factbook has slightly different data, and states: Roman Catholic 87.4%, Church of Ireland 2.9%, other Christian 1.9%, other 2.1%, unspecified 1.5%, none 4.2% (2006 census)₇₉.

The International Humanist and Ethical Union produced a report in 2012 entitled "Freedom of Thought" (2012)₈₀, in which they document bias and prejudice at the national level that is based on religion, belief and/or lack of belief. Their entry for Ireland states:

“The constitution and other laws and policies protect freedom of religion or belief. However, antiblasphemy laws and state sponsorship of religion exist. Section 36 of Ireland's Defamation Act of 2009 criminalizes the publishing or utterance of "blasphemous matter" and imposes a maximum fine of €25,000. That is "matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion..." Protection exists if "a reasonable person would find genuine literary, artistic, political, scientific, or academic value in the matter to which the offence relates." There is still a requirement for holders of public office - including judges and the state president--to take a religious oath.

Cases of Discrimination

In 2000, a new religious education course was introduced that was supposed to be suitable for all religions and those without religion. However, parents who do not wish to have their children attend religious classes in school are routinely asked to supervise them personally during school hours because schools will not do so. Furthermore, some schools are reportedly forcing the children of non-religious parents to take a religious education course introduced a decade ago.

In 2003 the Equality Authority declared that publicly-funded church-linked schools are legally permitted to refuse to admit a student who is not of that religious group if the school can prove that the refusal is essential to the maintenance of the "ethos" of the school.

”

"Freedom of Thought" by IHEU (2012)₈₁

Links:

• A List of All Religions and Belief Systems
• Secularisation Theory: Will Modern Society Reject Religion? What is Secularism?

12. Christian Child Abuse in Ireland and the Catholic Church's Cover-ups

#catholicism #ireland

Ireland has seen a long line of child abuse scandals from within the Catholic Church, but, the particular twist taken in this country is the leaking of government documents by Edward Snowden, revealing the political battle that Catholic Church has been involved in with its attempts to stall and prevent investigations from taking place, including a long history of its staff hiding paedophiles, moving them around, and no matter what, not reporting them to the police. The Murphy Commission and the Cloyne Report finally revealed most of these antics to the public in the early 2010s. This has occurred at the local level, and, worse of all, centrally from within the Vatican. Any "moral" ground the church once had has evaporated, and it is clear to all that its sole concern is its own power and influence. Between 1991 and 2011, the number of non-religious, atheist and agnostic folk quadrupled, and the percent of Catholics in the population dropped to its lowest figure ever, although this is still a pretty high number at 84% of the population₈₂.

• The Economist (2009)₈₃

  "In Ireland, an inquiry found that, over six decades, child abuse had been endemic at many Catholic institutions for boys. The head of the Irish Catholic church said he was profoundly sorry".

• Pope denounces 'evil' sex priests (BBC News 2002)

  "In January, the Catholic Church in Ireland agreed to a $110m payment to children abused by the clergy over decades. More than 20 priests, brothers and nuns have been convicted of molesting children".

• Paedophile cases haunt the church (BBC News 2000)

  52 schools, run by Catholic religious orders, that took in children that were either very troublesome, or the offspring of parents who were too poor to look after them, have all been closed in Ireland. The Irish government launched an inquiry into abuse at these 'industrial' schools. The Christian Brothers, who ran some of these schools, "have also been implicated in sex scandals in Canada. More than 300 former pupils at Mount Cashel orphanage, Newfoundland, have alleged the lay brothers abused them".

• The Economist (2010 Mar 20) article 'The Catholic church and paedophilia' (p15)

  "In Ireland Cardinal Sean Brady, the primate, has admitted that he was present in 1975 when two [boys aged 10 and 14] were persuaded to sign oaths of silence about their abuse by Father Brendan Smyth. The church defrocked Smyth, but nobody, including Cardinal Brady, told the police about his crimes and he remained free to abuse boys for two decades".

• The Guardian (2010)₈₄

  The Murphy Commission reported on 320 cases of child sexual abuse by Catholic clergy between 1975 and 2004 in the Dublin archdiocese alone. Once all of this was revealed, the Vatican used its historical political ties with the Irish government to attempt to stop the investigations and delay them. The "Vatican refused to co-operate and only let officials visit Ireland once they'd been given immunity from having to testify". A leaked cable "reveals the behind-the-scenes diplomacy in which politicians in the Irish government attempted to persuade an imperious Vatican to engage with the investigation. [...] Requests for information from the 2009 Murphy commission into sexual and physical abuse by clergy "offended many in the Vatican" who felt that the Irish government had "failed to respect and protect Vatican sovereignty during the investigations", a cable says". In other words: "disrespect" meant "not helping us cover it up" and "trying to force us to give evidence on something on something we're trying to hide". The Vatican said that requests for co-operation were straining relations itself and between Irish government. Yet, they had both moral and political reason to co-operate to help end child abuse. What override both moral and political concerns was the Catholic drive to protect their religion: That was the true problem that was straining relations!

• The Cloyne Report (on Catholic child abuse in Ireland, and its cover-up by the Catholic Church) had its final chapter published in 2011.

  “Once more a catalogue of cover-ups and lies is revealed at the very highest echelons of the Church. Its publication has prompted Irish Justice Minister Alan Shatter to reassert that stricter laws are needed to protect children. [... The publication] yet again details the failure of the Church to comply with its own child abuse guidelines and its failure to ensure that allegations of abuse when first received were brought to the notice of [the police]," said Mr Shatter. "The litany of allegations made and the failure to appropriately report cases of abuse reinforces the need to enact a statutory measure for the protection of children in the future". The newly-published chapter tells how former Bishop John Magee did not adequately deal with complaints in his Co Cork diocese against a cleric with the pseudonym of Fr Ronat. The earlier report had shown that Bishop Magee deliberately misled authorities and was failing to report abuse until as recently as three years ago.”

  Newsline (2011)

After further evidence of abuse and cover-ups in Ireland was revealed in 2018 there was a new wave of criticism of the Pope for failing to provide meaningful leadership in his organisation on this issue, so he finally summoned over 100 of the most senior Bishops to the Vatican to discuss it₈₅.

For more, see:

• "Organized Coverups of Sexual Child Abuse by Priests, Clergy and Christian Institutions" by Vexen Crabtree (2009).