Vol. 557 No. 1
110 Mr. Durkan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to take budgetary action to ensure economic viability in 2003 having particular regard to current economic indicators; and the situation in competing economies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21343/02]
Quarterly national accounts data released last week by the Central Statistics Office showed that the economy recorded real GDP growth of 5.5% in the first half of this year. However real GNP, which is widely regarded as the more accurate measure of domestic activity, grew by 2% during the same period. GNP growth of this order is better than that of many other economies. For example, real GDP growth in the euro area is expected to average under 1% this year.
I will outline my budgetary plans on budget day, 4 December 2002.
