Advisory group advises Govt to continue reducing national debt

A top economic advisory group says the Finance Minister Michael Noonan must provide details of how the Programme for Government will be paid for.

The latest report from the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says despite the economy's "impressive" recovery, spending increases must be kept in check.

In its report, the council says the Government can prevent a return to "boom and bust" economics by continuing to reduce the national debt.

Professor John McHale, chair of the Fiscal Advisory Council, said: "The gains have been hard won through a very difficult fiscal adjustment programme.

"So it is important now not to put those gains at risk through back-tracking on fiscal responsibility."