IntroductionThis essay will first define the labor market and then discuss the use of Active Labor Market Policies (ALMPS). The essay will begin by providing a brief definition of active labor market policies and their context at the international level. This essay will then describe the Irish economy, the ALMPS in Ireland and the effects of these policies in Ireland. The essay will then go on to outline the consequences of failure when a policy is not successful. The labor market is the relationship between the workplace and the workforce (Careersportal, 2014). A workplace is an area where people work, such as an office; the workforce is made up of people available to work in the workplace. Labor market conditions change over time, this is evident through the “Celtic Tiger” when economic growth had little effect on unemployment and, conversely, the recession that began in 2009. The ALMPS aims to achieve higher employment and training for individuals in the country. Introduction to ALMPSActive labor market policies (ALMPS) represent the intersection between employment and welfare. Clarke refers to ALMPS as “a broad range of measures designed to improve workers' skills and competences” (p. 101, 2014). These policies aim at employment and welfare. Active labor market policies seek to make work more attractive and welfare less attractive. Active labor markets were introduced to improve an individual's skills and qualities and support the process in the labor market. Other dimensions include financial aid for unemployed workers and job seekers. Active labor market policies were established by the government primarily to increase employment, training and work experience (Clarke, R, 2014). Many policies for... middle of paper... with these policies are devastating long term unemployment. Long-term unemployment refers to a group of unemployed people who have been out of work for a year or more (Halpin, B. and Hill, J, 2007). Tackling long-term unemployment is key for the Irish government. Conclusion There is a substantial body of research that seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of active labor market policies. This work dates back to the mid-1970s, when American researchers began conducting studies around that time. European researchers started later. Active labor market policies can be seen as a response to the unemployment trap, as I mentioned above. In recent years, numerous measures have been implemented to limit the effects of unemployment and poverty (Considine and Dukelow, 2009), the reduction of income taxes and the introduction of the minimum wage will make work even more attractive..