Some of the figures below might help explain why Ireland’s economy is in such a bad state. We have compared some of the levels of benefits and pensions as well as prices and wages between Ireland and the UK.
The figure speak for themselves really - benefits and  pension levels and  minimum wage are all higher in Ireland  – some as much as 260% more. The  cost of living figures are only around 27% higher here.  Politicians salaries are also bigger than in the UK – On top of that we pay no property tax or water rates in Ireland.

Old Age Pension (Non Contributory)
UK (Pension Credit) £132.60  (€152.50)    ; Ireland €219  (140% higher in Ireland)

Unemployment Benefit (Jobseekers) Aged 30 Single
UK £65.45  – approx €75.25   :  Ireland €196  :   260% more in Ireland

Child Benefit for 3 children weekly
UK  £47.10 (€54.16)   -     Ireland  €112.38  (100% more in Ireland)

Property Tax
Ireland  Nil (at the moment)
England – average Council Tax is £1195 a year (€1374 Euro)

Water Rates
England/Wales  Average  £350 a year (€402)     :  Ireland – Nil

Electricity – annual charge for 6000kwh incl standing charges
UK:  UK Scottish Power Standard Tariff  £706 (€811)
Ireland:  ESB -  €1097 Euro   Ireland is 35% more expensive .

Overall Consumer Prices (From Eurostat June 2009)
Irish Prices were 28% higher than the UK according to Eurostat figures

Minimum Wage – 21 Year old – Ireland €8.65   UK £5.93 (€6.80)   27% Higher in
Ireland

TD Salary (Member of Irish Parliament) €96,672
UK MP Salary £65,738 (€75,600)- TD’s pay is 27% Higher than a UK MP

UK Prime Minister Salary £142500 (€163900)
Taoiseach’s salary € 228,446 -    40% more than the UK