Memo: Statement by the EC, ECB, and IMF on the Review Mission to Ireland

Staff teams from the European Commission (EC), European Central Bank (ECB), and International Monetary Fund (IMF) visited Dublin during October 16–25, 2012 for the eighth review of the government’s economic programme and also met with a variety of stakeholder groups.

Policy implementation remains steadfast despite the challenging external environment, helping Ireland to start to regain market access. It is expected that fiscal targets for 2012 will be met despite expenditure overruns in some areas, and the authorities are committed to the 2013 deficit ceiling of 7.5 percent of GDP.

Banks remain well-capitalised and downsizing has progressed well, yet further efforts are needed to address their profitability and asset quality challenges. In line with the euro area summit conclusions of 29 June, EC/ECB/IMF teams continued to discuss with the authorities possible technical solutions to improve the sustainability of the well-performing adjustment programme.

European Commission: Memo/12/810: Statement by Vice President Rehn on the conclusion of the eighth review mission to Ireland http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_MEMO-12-810_en.htm

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