Derek McDowell
Ceist:112 Mr. D. McDowell asked the Minister for Finance if he will set out the 1995 figure for net factor outflows; if he will give an estimate for the 1996 figure; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2067/96]
Written Answers. - Net Factor Outflows.
My Department's latest macroeconomic estimates for 1995 and projections for 1996 are contained in Economic Background to the Budget, which was published on budget day, 23 January last.
The Central Statistics Office's preliminary balance of payments data for the first half of 1995 show that factor outflows amounted to some £2,369 million in that period. For 1995 as a whole, my Department estimates that net factor outflows amounted to about £4,725 million or 14 per cent of estimated Gross National Product (GNP).
In 1996, an increase in factor outflows to £5,325 million or 14.75 per cent of GNP is projected. The increase is mainly attributable to a projected rise in the debit item profit, dividends and royalities in view of output and export trends to date and expectations in the high-technology industrial sectors.