Ross: Officials who produce Dept of Finance numbers 'on crack'

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he stands by the economic forecasts from the Department of Finance, despite opposition suggestions that the officials who produce them are "on crack".

The Department has predicted that the Irish economy will grow by 1.3% this year, but Goodbody Stockbrokers has predicted 0.2% growth for the economy.

However, The Taoiseach has told Independent TD Shane Ross that the Government stands by its growth predictions.

Mr Ross said in the Dáil this morning: "There is a long and slightly unwelcome tradition in this country for the Department of Finance to puff the prospects of the economy.

"What are they doing producing figures and sticking to figures which no independent commentators agree with and on which the Budget is now based?"

Mr Kenny said: "We stand by the figure that is set out here. I do not agree with Goodbody's assertion.

"Discussions that are taking place in regard to the fiscal circumstances of the country are continuing with some intensity."