1. The Irish Economy Going into 2011: Turning the Corner or Stuck on a Roundabout?

2. Minister’s Statement with 2010 Exchequer Returns The Exchequer Returns for 2010 confirm my analysis that the public finances have stabilised. These figures in tandem with the encouraging economic data for the third quarter of 2010, means we enter 2011 on the road to economic recovery and that the targets set in Budget 2011 are achievable. The Government has consistently identified export-led growth as the strategy that will return this economy to growth and generate jobs. This strategy is working thanks to the improvement of competitiveness, and the flexibility and adaptability of the Irish economy. Exports in 2010 were at an all time high and represented growth of 6.2% on 2009. This strong performance was particularly positive in the manufacturing and agri-food sectors. As a State, we continue to borrow more than is sustainable but provided we continue to address this and other related issues on the basis of the National Recovery Plan, there are real grounds for optimism about the Irish economy ”5th January 2011