Accusations by ministers that the EU’s statistics body was wrong in its assessment that Irish Water was not sufficiently independent of the Government will be answered by Eurostat today.

The euro crisis is giving a competitive edge to Irish exports as the value of the single currency falls against the pound and the dollar.

The National Treasury Management Agency, established by the Government three years ago to cope with the country’s national debt, has taken over responsibility for dealing with personal injury and other claims against the state.

Bertie Ahern tonight warned of tough economic times ahead following the end of his country’s Celtic Tiger boom.

The number of people moving to Ireland has reached the highest point in the country’s history, according to official figures released in Dublin today.