Economy growth continues - CSO

Ireland's economy is continuing to grow strongly, according to new statistics from the CSO today.

The figures show that GDP increased by 6% last year, while GNP was up 7.4%.

However, the CSO says Ireland's balance of payments has also worsened over the same period.

The figures show a deficit of almost €5.8bn for 2006, up from €4.2bn the previous year.