Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. is holding a series of nationwide briefings on the Irish and global economy in the coming weeks, the bank has announced. The briefings are provided free to companies who register in advance.The fifth in the series takes place on November 3rd in the Clayton Hotel, Ballybrit, Galway.
AIB economists, Oliver Mangan and John Fahey, will provide an outlook for the Irish and global economies, currency markets and interest rates.
AIB Chief Economist Oliver Mangan said: “These seminars will be of particular interest to companies who engage in international trade, either through selling their goods and services abroad or sourcing product from foreign markets such as the UK.”
The economists will highlight that Irish consumer confidence in the third quarter showed its best performance for nine years boosted by a positive view of the economy. While concerns over personal finances remain, unemployment continues to fall and is now at 9.4%, its lowest level since the end of 2008. The strong growth in tax receipts means that the budget deficit continues to show a marked decline and is forecast at 2.1% of GDP in 2015.
The economists will also consider potential risks to the Irish economy, including the implications for Ireland, of a potential British exit from the European Union (Brexit ).
“The issue of Brexit is likely to loom large in 2016, when the UK is expected to vote on whether or not to remain in the European Union. Although EU membership and Foreign Direct Investment have lessened Ireland’s dependence on the UK, it remains a key economic partner with some 17 per cent of Irish exports going there,’’ Mangan said.
The full list of briefings, venues, times and booking details can be viewed by clicking here. Companies can register by emailing [email protected]
