The figures for economic growth for the years 2008 to 2010, and quarterly figures in respect of the first two quarters of 2011, are set out in Table 1, showing GDP and GNP at constant market prices.
Quarterly Irish economic data can be very volatile. Reflecting this, the Government's economic forecasts for future years are based on annual averages, rather than quarterly figures.
The Medium Term Fiscal Statement published by the Minister for Finance on 4 November sets out growth projections for the years 2011-2015 on this basis. These figures are provided on Table 2.
The figures indicate that, after three years of decline, we will achieve modest growth in 2011 and in 2012, with more significant growth being realised in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
The traded sector is leading this recovery. Safeguarding and expanding the economy's export base will be a critically important objective of our overall economic strategy. The Government will continue to develop and implement policies designed to improve the competitiveness of our internationally traded sectors and the economy as a whole and enhance Ireland's attractiveness as a place in which to set up and grow businesses.
Table 1 — Annual Percentage Change in GDP and GNP at Constant Market Prices, 2008-2011
|
2008
|
2009
|
2010
|
Q1 2011
|
Q2 2011
|
GDP
|
-3.0
|
-7.0
|
-0.4
|
0.3
|
2.3
|
GNP
|
-2.8
|
-9.8
|
0.3
|
1.0
|
1.1
|
Source: CSO
Table 2 — Projected Annual Percentage Change in GDP and GNP at Constant Market Prices, 2011-2015
|
2011
|
2012
|
2013
|
2014
|
2015
|
GDP
|
1.0
|
1.6
|
2.4
|
3.0
|
3.0
|
GNP
|
0.4
|
1.0
|
1.7
|
2.3
|
2.3
|
Source: Department of Finance, Medium Term Fiscal Statement, November 2011