Shay Brennan (Dublin Rathdown, Fianna Fail)
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39. To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform his response to the recent IMF report on the Irish economy, especially in relation to the areas under his remit; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39789/25]

Jack Chambers (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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I was pleased to welcome the publication of the IMF’s annual review of the Irish economy, the Staff Report for the 2025 Article IV Consultation, on June 11th this year.

Ireland’s 2025 IMF Article IV engagement was set against the backdrop of Budget 2025, a Budget framed in the context of a continued need to improve public services and accelerate infrastructure to support a growing population and the competitiveness of our economy. I welcome the IMF’s positive assessment of the Irish economy noting, in particular, the impressive results Ireland has achieved by building on our comparative advantages and enacting sound policies, with growth projected to remain solid and inflation close to target.

While significant risks remain, the Irish economy has demonstrated resilience in the face of a number of consecutive large shocks. I agree with the IMF in relation to the importance of strengthening public investment efficiency and ensuring timely execution of the capital budget for the delivery of the National Development Plan. This is a key priority for me and for Government. I share the IMF’s assessment of key structural issues – in particular the need to further increase housing supply.

In this regard, the Programme for Government set out the clear ambition to prioritise the delivery of transformative, critical and growth-enhancing infrastructure over the next 5 years. To support these goals, Government prioritised an early review of the National Development Plan, which is being led by my Department. The review is currently being finalised and will be completed by end-July. Furthermore, as part of its commitments to accelerate infrastructure delivery the Government established a new Infrastructure Division in DPER. This Division will be responsible for working with stakeholders to expedite the delivery of key infrastructure projects.