The Minister for Finance and Public Expenditure & Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., and the Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Ángel Gurría, today (Thursday) launched the ‘OECD Economic Survey – Ireland 2018’. This survey contains a detailed assessment of Ireland’s economic performance and prospects. The survey also makes a number of key recommendations designed to enhance the resilience of the Irish economy and further improve living standards.
Speaking at the launch of the OECD’s survey, Minister Donohoe said: ‘I broadly welcome the OECD’s latest economic survey. The assessment of the Irish economy is comprehensive, balanced and constructive. It points to the robust economic recovery and associated improvements in well-being since the last survey in 2015 and identifies areas for further improvement’.
“The survey notes that the recovery has broadened and is projected to continue at a more sustainable pace over the next two years. It points to high levels of well-being – although further improvements are recommended in areas such as housing, health and getting people into work.
“I have also noted that the survey emphasises the challenges and heightened uncertainties, including from Brexit that Ireland faces over the medium-term. I have noted its conclusions, in particular regarding the importance of further improving our fiscal position and improving the resilience of our economy in a highly uncertain environment.
“The rigorous and high quality approach adopted by the OECD in its analysis is well known. This survey is an important contribution to the Government’s consideration of its approach to dealing with the challenges and opportunities we face over the coming decade.”
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Note for Editors:
OECD economic surveys of member countries take place around every two years. For Ireland, they are crucial milestones, followed closely both at home and internationally. The last Economic Survey on Ireland was published in September 2015. OECD Secretary General Angel Gurría travelled to Dublin for the launch of this survey.
Ireland was among the founding members of the OECD in 1961. For a small country the advantages of membership of such a focused professional international organisation (it has 35 members) are large. It provides access to the highest quality analysis and policy prescriptions and the opportunity to contribute along with larger economies into shaping the economic policy environment internationally.
Further details on the report are available at: www.finance.gov.ie and http://www.oecd.org/ireland/economic-survey-ireland.htm