Ireland ranks first in Europe in 2010 Index of Economic Freedom

January 2010

THE level of economic freedom in Ireland fell slightly last year but the country still remains freer than other European countries. Ireland has slipped one notch to become the world's fifth-most economically free country and first in Europe, the Washington-based Heritage Foundation and the 'Wall Street Journal' said in their 2010 Index of Economic Freedom.

The Index covers 183 countries across 10 specific freedoms such as trade freedom, business freedom, investment freedom and property rights.

In relation to Ireland the guide states -

Ireland’s overall levels of economic freedom remain high, sustained by such institutional strengths as strong protection of property rights, a low level of corruption, efficient business regulations, and competitive tax rates. These strengths provide solid foundations on which to build recovery and curb long-term unemployment.