Ireland Would Need Big Tax Rise to Fund Unification, Study Says

Irish unity would require large tax rises and cuts to public expenditure, according to a new study that lays bare the costs to the Republic of Ireland of any future reunification with Northern Ireland.

The cost to the economy of the Republic of Ireland would be around 5% of modified Gross National Income, according to the research from the Institute of International and European Affairs in Dublin. That could increase to 10% of GNI if Northern Ireland’s significantly lower welfare payments and public sector pay were brought in line with those in the republic, adding a quarter to public expenditure, ...