“Anyone who thinks that you can have infinite growth in a finite environment is either a madman or an economist.” David Attenborough

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Mir Hasibullah Zia, 5th Year | 2025

I am a 5th year student deeply interested in exploring the intersection of multinational corporations, economic growth, and societal inequality. Through this research project, I will try to critically examine Ireland's unique position as a hub for foreign direct investment and analyse its broader socioeconomic implications (impacts).

Before Starting, this project wouldn't have been possible without the help I received along the way. I’d like to thank my teachers Mr. Allen and Mr. Bennett, for their feedback and insights. I’m especially grateful to my dear friend Daniel Dillon, without his thoughts, feedback, and motivation, this project would not have been possible.

Email: [email protected]

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Introduction

“The true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members.” Mahatma Gandhi

As a child growing up in Afghanistan, like many others, I never gave much thought to large corporations or the consequences of unsustainable growth. However, everything changed when life's journey brought me to Ireland.

Our environment shapes our consciousness. My journey into economics began with fundamental lessons from my family, led to choosing economics for my Leaving Certificate, and eventually expanded into exploring financial markets through online learning. I discovered crucial concepts like inflation, stock markets, supply and demand, and most importantly, the importance of decision-making.

After arriving in Ireland, I saw something remarkable: despite its small geographical size, modest population, and limited natural resources compared to other nations, Ireland thrived economically among EU countries. This success stemmed from its strategic location, educated workforce, and corporate-friendly policies.

Today, as a dedicated fifth-year economics student, my perspective on Ireland and the world has transformed dramatically. Yet during economics lectures, discussions about the socioeconomic importance of MNCs always prompt me to question: could Ireland reduce its dependence on these corporations?

Now, driven by my deep interest in the changing global order, I will examine research and data to uncover both the benefits and drawbacks that multinational corporations bring to Ireland and the world.

By the end of this project, I will focus on answering these key questions:

1. To what extent is Ireland economically dependent on multinational corporations?
2. How does this MNC dependency contribute to economic imbalances and social disparities (e.g., wage inequality, regional disparities, and public service funding) in Ireland?
3. What policy measures can reduce Ireland’s over reliance on multinationals while fostering domestic economic resilience?
4. What long-term economic and social benefits would result from transitioning towards a more self-sufficient, locally driven economy?

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Note: All data sources are cited in the project's Reference section. The data is current as of this project's creation. Some graphs were created by me to visualize raw data more effectively. Original sources are credited at the end.

I have used Notion Assistant to re-phrase or summarise some of the articles for more clarity.

Direction of use: By hovering over the graphs, you can view and read the values clearly, as they are embedded.

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