Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 2 Dec 1997

Vol. 483 No. 6

Written Answers. - BSE Outbreak.

Jimmy Deenihan

Question:

249 Mr. Deenihan asked the Minister for Finance if his Department has carried out a study of the implications of the BSE crisis on the Irish economy particularly in relation to GDP and employment creation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21148/97]

The Department of Finance has not carried out any study of the implications of the BSE crisis on the Irish economy.

In producing forecasts for the economy, the Department of Finance takes account of all developments in agriculture. Output in agriculture accounts for just over 7 per cent of gross domestic product in Ireland, and the proportion is falling. Changes in agricultural output therefore have a relatively small impact on overall GDP growth. GDP grew by 7.8 per cent in 1996 and is estimated to have grown by about 8.75 per cent in 1997. From these figures it would appear that the negative impact of the BSE crisis on GDP growth in 1996 and 1997 has been relatively small.

In terms of employment, it is again apparent that the impact of the BSE crisis has had little effect on overall employment levels, which rose by 41,000 in the 12 months to April 1997.

Top
Share