Question:
46 Dr. Upton asked the Minister for Finance if his Department will issue regular press releases with up-dated information on GNP and other economic indicators; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2946/00]
Written Answers. - Economic Indicators.
As the Central Statistics Office publishes statistical releases on a wide range of economic indicators, including GNP, at regular intervals, it is not my Department's intention to issue press releases on such matters. Detailed information on GNP and GDP is now issued by the CSO on a quarterly basis.
The Department of Finance issues information on the economy at regular intervals throughout the year. For example, on budget day 1999, detailed information on the economy was included in a document entitled Ireland – Stability Programme 1999 Update. This document presents key economic and budgetary indicators for 1993-1998 and projections for 1999 to 2000.
At end July or early August each year, my Department publishes the Economic Review and Outlook. This reviews economic performance in the first six months of the year and comments on the latest economic outlook. It also includes detailed data on GNP and GDP.
Finally, I might point out that a monthly economic bulletin is available on the Department's website at http.//www.irlgov.ie/finance. This document provides a summary of the most recent data published by the CSO on a variety of indicators, including GNP and GDP.