This paper proposes a stochastic volatility model to measure sovereign financial distress. It examines how key European sovereign credit default swap (CDS) spreads affect each other; specifically, the paper analyses the volatility structure of Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Spain and Portugal....

KEY ISSUES Steadfast policy implementation has been maintained through the final review of the program. Budget execution has once more been solid in 2013, with the fiscal deficit expected to remain within the Excessive Deficit Procedure ceiling. Budget 2014 targets a balanced adjustment path,...

This Detailed Assessment of Observance assessment of Ireland was carried out using the 2011 International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) Methodology for Assessing Implementation of the IOSCO Principles. The legal framework is robust and provides the Central Bank of Ireland with...

This Report on Observance of Standards and Codes (ROSC) on Ireland highlights that the Central Bank of Ireland has made significant progress in implementing a proactive and intensive approach to supervision. The Probability Risk and Impact System, the backbone of the new risk-based supervisory...

KEY ISSUES The Irish economy is in the early stages of recovering from an exceptionally severe banking crisis. Following a smooth exit from the EU-IMF supported program, strong job creation and other indicators suggest Ireland’s economic recovery is broadening. Together with other European...

This paper compares the experience with exchange-rate–based stabilization (ERBS) of four Western European countries with that of high-inflation developing countries. In general, the behavior of key macroeconomic variables—inflation, output, demand, the real exchange rate and the current...

Executive Directors welcomed the report by the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on the IMF and the Crises in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal, and appreciated the accompanying statement by the Managing Director. They agreed that the report's findings provide valuable insights and lessons for...

I welcome the report of the Independent Evaluation Office (IEO) on the Euro Area crisis programs. Their work provides an independent and in-depth account, which I have no doubt will make an important contribution to understanding the Fund's approach to the crisis. As I have emphasized...

This paper sets out Management's response to the Independent Evaluation Office's (IEO) report The IMF and the Crises in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal as part of the Management and staff follow-up to an IEO evaluation. The implementation plan proposes specific actions to address the...

This 2015 Article IV Consultation highlights that Ireland enjoyed strong growth in 2014, at about 5 percent year over year, led by exports and investment. Solid job creation has brought the unemployment rate down to 10.5 percent, from a peak of 15 percent three years ago. These positive economic...