Strong growth predicted for countries that use the Euro

Countries that use the euro are expected to experience strong economic growth during the remainder of this year, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute.

In an assessment published today, the think-tank says the Euro area should see growth remain steady at 2.6%, its highest level in a number of years.

This summer's World Cup in Germany - the biggest economy in Europe - is identified as one of the factors contributing to the improvement.

The ESRI is also predicting that inflation, which currently at is at its highest rate in years, will ease in the euro area next year and interest rates could also begin to fall over the coming years as a result.