Republic of Ireland overwhelmingly in favour of extending marriage rights to same-sex couples. On 23 May 2015, Ireland became the first country to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. Ireland became the first country in the world to introduce an environmental levy for plastic shopping bags in 2002 and a public smoking ban in 2004. Recycling in Ireland is carried out extensively, and Ireland has the second highest rate of packaging recycling in the European Union. It was the first country in Europe to ban incandescent lightbulbs in 2008 and the first EU country to ban in-store tobacco advertising and product display in
Merritte W. Ireland Jefferson Medical College where again he earned an M.D. degree in 1891. He served as a surgeon with the 45th U.S. Volunteer Infantry in 1899 and honorably discharged in 1901. In 1903, he was commissioned as a surgeon into the Medical Corps. He served as Surgeon General from October 4, 1918 to May 31, 1931. Ireland died on July 5, 1952. Major General Ireland´s ribbon bar: Merritte W. Ireland Merritte Weber Ireland (May 31, 1867 – July 5, 1952) was the 23rd U.S. Army Surgeon General, serving in that capacity from October 4, 1918 to May 31, 1931. Ireland was