Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

The IFAC report mentioned issues such as the high levels of non-residential construction, inflationary pressures, a tightening labour market, and so on. It does not, however, seem to show an output gap close to zero. In fact, the areas of the economy in that we may need a stimulus - which may be significant depending on the outcome of Brexit - remain blue on the council's heat map. The external factors are significant. Depending on how Brexit evolves, we may be more integrated with European economies. The figures set out in today's report of the Committee on Budgetary Oversight illustrate the somewhat dismal prospect that those economies may be stuttering along or verging on recession. Even on the basis of the Minister's figures, it seems our own growth is destined to be even lower in 2020, even if Brexit does not occur.

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