Ireland is on track but still needs work
On track, continuous effort. This is essentially the OECD verdict on Ireland, engaged for three years in a drastic recovery program of its public finances. After a decade of strong growth on an annual rate of 7%, which has risen to fourth in the OECD in terms of GDP per capita, the former Celtic Tiger has suffered a banking crisis and an unprecedented three years of recession. The deficit exploded in 2010 to over 32% of GDP if we include the expensive bank recapitalization and debt exceeded 100% of the national wealth.Distrust of markets has forced the authorities to use the end of 2010 with the IMF, the EU and the ECB.
In his study, presented Friday, experts from the Muette emphasize the competitive advantages of Ireland on Portugal and Greece, the other two countries under international supervision, "export sector a more developed and more high-tech"-the Exports account for 100% of GDP against 31% in Portugal and 21% in Greece, "a workforce more skilled, more favorable conditions for businesses, a more efficient tax system based in particular on corporate taxes low and stable and well-regulated markets and more flexible, both for products that work."
The conservation plan will represent 2.2% in 2012
Despite the recession, Ireland continued to attract significant foreign direct investment and the country, supported by the engine of exports and improving cost competitiveness, has returned this year with growth, while Portugal and Greece will experience another year of recession pay day loan lenders.
On the fiscal side, Dublin's goal is to bring the deficit below 3% of GDP in 2015. Before the intervention of the Troika, the authorities had imposed a cure equivalent to 9% of GDP. The economic plan of 2012 is still 2.2%.
If these efforts "are starting to bear fruit" requires further consolidation, the report of the organization of the Muette, in the perspective of a "global growth lower than expected."The OECD recommends including "broaden the tax base" and "focus more on consolidating spending cuts" -60% recovery, "by improving the efficiency of the public sector, reform of social protection and lower infrastructure projects. " Another priority should be the fight against unemployment from 4.6% in 2007 to 14.2% in the second quarter of 2011.
Among other tracks, it is necessary to improve employment services, training programs adapted to market needs, encourage job search, extend some cuts in employers' contributions … Finally, Dublin to pursue the restructuring of the banking sector and further improve competitiveness to promote exports.
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