Budget day has finally arrived, with the inevitable focus on who will get what from the tax and spending measures. As well as this uncertainty about the future flow of revenue, Ireland also has a significant national debt. Servicing this, or raising any funds required to roll over maturing debt, are not currently a problem. However, the debt remains in the background standing at €225 billion at the end of last year and forecast to remain around that level this year. But the nominal level of the national debt remains high, it continues to consume resources to service and so it needs to remain a central factor in the planning of the public finances.

Source: The Irish Times October 10, 2023 12:28 UTC