Irish people ‘are second richest in European Union’

THE Irish are the second most prosperous people in the European Union — and even wealthier than the Swiss, according to figures published yesterday.

Nothing can shift Luxembourgers from the top spot the Grand Duchy boasts per capita wealth running at more than twice the EU average. But, for the third year running, a thriving economy boosted by EU membership benefits has pitched Ireland ahead of rich nations such as Germany, Austria and Denmark.

The figures from Eurostat, the EU's statistical office, assess GDP in terms of purchasing power standards (PPS). Taking 100 as the EU average, Luxembourg's per capita GDP is put at 215%, followed by Ireland at 133%.