MODERN IRELAND Ireland's economy has evolved greatly, becoming more diverse and sophisticated than ever before

by integrating itself into the global economy. By the beginning of the 1990s Ireland had transformed itself into a modern industrial economy and generated substantial national income that benefited the entire nation. Although dependence on agriculture still remained high, Ireland's industrial economy produced sophisticated goods that rivalled international competition. Ireland's international economic boom of the 1990s is referred to as the "Celtic Tiger". The Catholic Church, who once exercised an enormous amount of power, has reduced in influence on socio-political issues in Ireland. Irish bishops no longer have the right to advise and influence the Irish public on how to exercise their political rights. Modern Ireland's detachment of the Church from ordinary life can be explained by the increasing disinterest in Church doctrine by younger generations and the questionable morality of the Church's representatives. A highly publicised case was of Eamonn Casey, the Bishop of Galway. Investigation of Casey's abrupt resignation in 1992 revealed that he had an affair with an American woman and also fathered a child. Further controversies soared when scandals arose concerning pedophile and child-abusing priests. All these controversies enabled the public to question the credibility and effectiveness of the Catholic Church.