"82.4% free. ireland's modern, highly industrialized economy performed well throughout the 1990s and has enjoyed sustained growth, earning ireland a reputation as the "celtic tiger." the country has one of the world's most business-friendly environments, especially for investment, and enjoys the european union's second-highest gdp per capita. in january 2003, the government lowered the corporate tax rate to 12.5 percent—far below the eu average. because of its pro-business government policies, ireland receives a substantial portion of u.s. investment directed at the eu. however, it also is struggling with an underperforming health sector, and the provision of decent public services remains a major topic of political debate."
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