Country snapshots 2017-18: Ireland

Moderating growth

Economic growth is projected to moderate gradually. The economy, particularly exports and investment, is already being slowed by the prospect of Brexit. Nonetheless, the Irish economy will continue to expand on the back of solid domestic demand and strong employment and wage growth.

The fiscal stance is expected to be broadly neutral, exerting a smaller drag on activity than in past years. The government is nevertheless on track to attain its medium-term goal of balancing the budget. Financial conditions will remain supportive overall. Structural reforms should prioritise making economic growth more inclusive by getting more people back into work and revamping the tax and benefit system.

GDP growth

2013

Current prices EUR billion

2016

2017

% real change

2018

180.0

4.3

3.2

2.3

Visit www.oecd.org/eco/economicoutlook.htm

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