IMF Staff Country Reports

Ireland: Staff Report for the 1999 Article IV Consultation

Publication Date:

August 20, 1999

Electronic Access:

Free Download. Use the free Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this PDF file

Summary:

This 1999 Article IV Consultation highlights that Ireland’s economic performance in recent years has been exceptionally strong. Output and employment have been growing much faster than in the rest of Europe. Real GDP growth averaged 7.5 percent per year in 1993–98, reflecting a sharp increase in capital accumulation—fueled in part by foreign direct investment—and an expansion of the skilled labor force owing to young entrants, increasing female participation, and a reversal of net emigration. Inflation has remained subdued. Public finances have improved significantly and the external current account has remained in surplus.

Series:

Country Report No. 1999/087

Subject:

Fiscal policy Fiscal stance Inflation Labor Prices Production Productivity Wage adjustments Wages

Notes:

Included with the Staff Report is the text of Public Information Notice No. 99/79--IMF Concludes Article IV Consultation with Ireland.