Economic growth must be backed by balance and respect

A powerful and positive dynamic is underway in the economy.

It offers the prospect of improving conditions for employees and citizens across the State but must be considered against the backdrop of our experience through the great global financial crisis during 2008-10.

The good news first. Irish economic momentum is picking up. You can see it anecdotally on the roads as traffic levels recover but the statistics are even more telling. GDP is growing, unemployment is falling, and most sectors of the economy are expanding.