Some Unemployed In Ireland Reinvent Themselves

by Rob Gifford, NPR

Ireland has a very generous system of unemployment benefits, and many Irish people have been grateful for that in recent months, as unemployment has skyrocketed from 1% to 11%. The payments are putting a strain on the Irish government, which is in massive financial trouble itself. As the debate rages about how much benefit is too much, many Irish people are taking the opportunity offered by the downturn, and their newly redundant status, to reinvent themselves, and discover new careers.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, May 25, 2009