[jbob2000]

You need a bit of context around Ireland, too. Ireland has been suffering from a mass exodus of young workers over the last few years. At its height, 10,000 young adults a week were leaving the country. Nobody wants to live in cold, rainy mountains working as a miner or fisherman. The thought was that if they could attract some swanky tech companies, the next generation of workers would be more enthused about staying in the country.

[matt4077]

I believe "the last few years" is the wrong context. These tax deals began in the late 70ies, at a time where Potato and Fish were the dominant industries of Ireland. It's easy to forget that they've experienced massive economic improvements since joining the European Union.