THE Irish economy will grow by an extra 5% a year in 2006 and 2007 as consumer spending accelerates by up to 7%, funded by the release of €16 billion from Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIA).

HOLDERS of Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) have lost their appetite for blowing their windfalls on a spending spree, according to new research from Bank of Ireland.

MORTGAGE lending grew by almost €1.7 billion in May and came close to setting a new record, according to new figures from the Central Bank.

A RADICAL new pensions and savings plan to replace the Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIA) will be brought to Cabinet by Social and Family Affairs Minister Seamus Brennan before the summer.

FOUR out of five people depositing money in the Government savings scheme had never saved before and financial experts predict a €5.2 billion splurge when the scheme matures.

THE autumn economic forecast for the EU is the most upbeat it has been for some time, with growth for the year expected to exceed expectations at 2.1% for the eurozone and 2.5% for the EU as a whole.

THE Government should not extend the life of Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) beyond 2007 because it is too expensive, the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) warned yesterday.

Allied Irish Bank has reported basic earnings per share of €50.6 for the half-year to June 2003, a decrease of 16%.

ANY upsurge in global activity will see the Irish economy growing significantly, Bank of Ireland chief economist Dan McLaughlin predicted yesterday.

Savers who invested money in a Government scheme were advised not to panic today after it emerged they may have lost up to 80% of State contributions.

THE novel suggestion to build the controversial national stadium with the help of money invested in Special Savings Incentive Accounts (SSIAs) warrants serious consideration.

THE Minister for Finance, Restitution and Straitened Circumstances, Charlie McCreevy, and his outgoing Cabinet colleagues, did what any prudent publican would do when moving to new premises — give away free drink and whisper sweet nothings in our ears.