Final answer:
The Irish government's economic initiatives, influenced by both internal factors and the global depression starting in 2007, resulted in increased immigration, as immigrant workers were able to secure jobs, often accepting lower wages. Despite earlier economic growth that earned Ireland the name Celtic Tiger, challenges such as unemployment and banking scandals destabilized the economy post-2008.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic initiatives of the Irish government, as a response to the global recession that began in 2007, had a complex impact on the labor market. After the economy faced a sharp decline, unemployment rates increased significantly. Although the National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) declared the recession over by June 2009, native-born workers saw a steep loss in jobs while foreign-born workers experienced job gains. This suggests that the economic initiatives led to a scenario where immigrant workers found employment, likely due to their flexibility and willingness to accept lower wages, which resulted in an increase in immigration as opposed to a decreased per capita income or increased unemployment among immigrant groups.
Historically, Ireland faced challenges due to a lack of natural resources and economic advantages. However, the creation of the European Union (EU) and advancements in communication technology in the 1990s transformed Ireland into an appealing destination for North American corporations, contributing to economic growth and earning Ireland the nickname Celtic Tiger. Yet, the global depression that began in 2008 reversed many of these gains, leading to a surge in unemployment, banking scandals, and reduced property values. While the high-tech and tourism sectors had bolstered the economy previously, Ireland still faced the challenge of high unemployment and economic recovery after the recession.