Topic: 2024-Supply Chain Stability
Country: Ireland
Delegate Name: Sophia Harper
Country: Ireland
Committee: SPECPOL
Topic: Supply chain crisis
Delegate: Sophie Harper
School: Williamston High School
The instability of the supply chain has severely impacted countries across the world, including Ireland. Events, like the COVID-19 pandemic, growing energy costs and strains on geopolitical relationships have negatively impacted the supply chain. The global pandemic forced lockdowns that reduced the ability for nations to grow businesses due to the loss of employees and economic activity. These lockdowns halted the transportation and production of goods, becoming detrimental to the needed growth of the supply chain. The pandemic also brought the largest economic deficit Ireland has had to deal with since the financial crisis of 2008. It has taken a large amount of attention to fix everything that was broken by COVID-19, which arguably turned into the leading factor of the recent supply chain crisis. Two years after trying to bandage the world economy from the devastating impact of the pandemic, Russia invaded Ukraine. As a result, Ireland faced repercussions from these attacks on Ukraine. For instance, inflation skyrocketed, making energy and gas prices soar. Production was disrupted and some transportation was stopped due to the war. A more recent geopolitical conflict that has been affecting supply chains in a similar way is the Israel-Hamas war.
Due to the fact that Ireland relies on trade between other countries, there have been many steps taken to combat the supply chain crisis. Ireland is very focused on reducing the country’s carbon footprint and promoting sustainability. Starting in 2010, the Irish industry for food and drink has seen a 50% decrease in their carbon emissions. This is a direct result of dedication to expanding a sustainable supply chain. One law the Irish government passed to help supply chains is the Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Act 2023. A key point in this act is transparency about market prices and date. Another point is publicizing unfair trading methods.
Ireland has a successful history in smoothly recovering from hits to the economy and the supply chain, and could benefit even more from more free trade agreements. These agreements could be especially beneficial with countries outside of Europe, possibly opening up new trade relationships. Thirty-seven percent of Irish companies said that having new openings to possible trading partners would be extremely valuable to their businesses. Continuing on with good relations between Ireland and Ireland’s main trade partner, the United Kingdom, will also aid in fixing the supply chain crisis in the long-term. Irish companies are also taking precautions to reinforce their supply chains from physical and cyber attacks alike to boost security. Ireland encourages any countries, like the United States, where cyber attacks on businesses are common to also improve their companies’ security. In addition, sustainability should be a main focus for companies to reduce waste and be energy efficient. To make this happen, European companies will use recycled materials and less packaging to cost less and be sustainable.
