Maurice O'Connell: The euro, the Irish economy
and banking supervision
Written submission by Mr Maurice O'Connell, Governor of the Central Bank of Ireland, to the Irish
Parliamentary Joint Committee on European Affairs on 19 July 2000.
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The outlook for the world economy remains generally good. Europe has settled into a steady growth
pattern and real GDP growth of more than 3% is expected this year. Unemployment is falling steadily.
The US economy has continued to surpass expectations and there are now tentative signs of orderly
slowdown. Japan and the Far East generally appear to have shaken off the threat of financial collapse,
though recovery in Japan is still tentative. A policy of zero interest rates and high public expenditure
has not been enough to stimulate growth. The remarkable performance of the US economy has
generated euphoria about a so-called new economy that offers the prospect of a permanent reduction in
the natural rate of unemployment, substantial gains in productivity growth and lessens the risks of
inflation. Whether or not we are in a new economy, or a new information revolution, it would be
unwise to conclude that traditional laws of economics no longer apply. There are new factors, but,
whether these are a temporary phenomenon or a profound change, only time will tell.
The world economy may appear fit and well but there is an imbalance that will require correction at
some point. I refer to the record deficit in the current account of the US balance of payments, which is
being financed by capital inflows from Europe and Japan. This may not continue indefinitely. Capital
will flow to wherever the strongest future return is perceived to be. The possibility of a sharp stock
market correction also deserves attention. Between end-1996 and end-1999 the Dow Jones index rose
by 78%, while the Nasdaq index, which accounts for about one third of total stock market
capitalisation in the United States recorded an increase of more than 200%. In Europe, structural
weaknesses have continued to be a dead hand on the economy and reform is by its nature slow. In this
context, the current taxation proposals in Germany may prove to be a very significant development.
Very recently the OECD has issued warnings on the dangers of inflation both in the United States and
in Europe.
When I came before this Committee in February, I mentioned that the succession of economic crises
in recent years had prompted the authorities to review comprehensively the whole international
financial architecture. This review is ongoing and the Financial Stability Forum (a body set up by the
G7 to promote international financial stability) issued a report on offshore centres recently, as part of
its mandate. Earlier this year, reflecting the new emphasis on financial stability, the International
Monetary Fund sent a team of experts to Ireland to investigate our arrangements for supervision of the
financial sector.
The euro
The euro has been continually in the limelight, largely because of the downward trend against the
US dollar and other currencies. Since its introduction on 1 January 1999, the euro has depreciated by
almost 20% against the dollar. There has been a welcome improvement in recent months, reflecting
the improvement in the underlying economy. It has been a source of concern that, as a new currency
without an extended track record, the credibility of the euro might be damaged by undue weakness.
The reasons for the relatively weak euro have been analysed repeatedly. Essentially, it reflects the
robust performance of the US economy. The euro is undervalued; it should recover substantially as the
European economy improves and as familiarity with the currency increases. The current level of
longterm bond yields confirms market expectations of continuing price stability in the euro area. Large
swings in currency external values are by no means a new phenomenon in the world order. In the
mid-1980s the Deutsche mark was considerably weaker against the dollar than the euro is today.
Within two years, this position was reversed.
There has been some criticism from time to time of the management of the euro at international level.
This criticism has pointed, in particular, towards the multiplicity of spokespersons on behalf of the
currency. Yes - there were too many opinions in the early days but this is now behind us. It has been
an extremely complex operation to bring 11 countries together into one monetary policy area. It is a
tribute to the professionalism of many that the transition has been achieved in such a straightforward
manner. While attention may have focused largely on the external value of the euro, the primary
objective of monetary policy is price stability within the euro area which is seen as essential for
economic success, social justice and balance in society.
Although the euro has been weaker than expected since its launch, the prospects for the currency have
been improving steadily. Where, last year, the weakness against the US dollar largely reflected an
unexpected divergence in economic growth between the two areas, this differential has now narrowed
and is expected to continue to do so over the course of this year and next. On a broader scale, the euro
is the second largest currency in the international financial system and the euro area represents an
internal market of almost 300 million people. With exports from the area accounting for almost 20%
of world exports and integration of financial markets progressing further, the currency has
considerable potential to appreciate.
The European Central Bank is now fully operational. At the political level, the euro 11 (soon to
become the euro 12) has gradually defined its role as a forum for economic policy coordination among
participating Member States. This includes a continuing dialogue with the Bank to ensure consistency
of policy. It is probably fair to say that the euro cannot be fully fledged and expect total acceptance
until banknotes and coin become available. Production is well under way to meet the target date of
1 January 2002 (known as E-day). People will then relate immediately to the euro as their currency.
There is great confidence that this will have a big influence in cementing the euro zone further.
The European Central Bank does not target an exchange rate for the euro. Large economic zones do
not target an external anchor. This does not imply that the Bank is indifferent to the level of the
currency. On the contrary, if at any stage the level of the euro were a threat to price stability, the Bank
would obviously respond. The Bank adopts a twin-pillar strategy in the conduct of its monetary policy.
These pillars are growth in money supply and inflation.
The Annual Report of the Central Bank of Ireland for 1999 reflects the extent to which EMU and the
euro impact on the functions of the Bank. There have been changes of radical dimensions. The Bank is
part of the Eurosystem and it no longer operates an independent Irish monetary policy. It does of
course contribute to monetary policy for the euro area. The Irish pound is no longer traded on the
foreign exchange market. The Eurosystem is decentralised so that operational activities are carried out
by the individual national central banks. In short, our day-to-day activities are more complex than
before. The Bank continues to manage reserves, to engage in open market operations, provide standing
facilities and to operate payments systems. It is constantly liaising with the European Central Bank in
Frankfurt on all aspects of our activities that relate to monetary policy.
Right now, Ireland's situation within the euro area is unique because of our exceptionally buoyant
economic conditions. It follows that the monetary policy of the European Central Bank is not best
suited to current Irish circumstances. The European Central Bank cannot address our situation in
isolation. The Irish economy comprises just 1% of the euro area GDP and it would be entirely
implausible to expect that the strategy for the whole euro area might be coloured by conditions that are
peculiar to us. In any event all members of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank are
obliged by law to adopt a euro area-wide perspective, rather than represent a region or a constituency.
This is the main reason why the European Central Bank does not publish minutes of meetings, in order
to avoid any semblance of national pressures.
The European Central Bank does not focus on individual countries. It does not differentiate between
big and small. It does not draw distinctions between so-called core and peripheral countries. This
language is not used. Monetary policy is set for the whole euro area as one unit. At the moment,
however, economic conditions in Ireland differ substantially from conditions elsewhere. We have
joined EMU, however, for the long haul - for the benefits of relatively low inflation, low interest rates
and the general security that membership of a large currency area provides.
Interest rate movements are obviously an important factor in determining the future course of the Irish
economy. Internationally, the bias in interest rates is upwards as the world economy maintains a
positive momentum. Nobody would rule out at this time the possibility of higher rates; for us, rates are
now determined by the policy of the European Central Bank by reference to economic conditions in
the euro area as a whole. The adoption of the euro involved a large and arbitrary reduction in Irish
interest rates in 1998. This has to some extent been reversed and since November 1999, there has been
a cumulative increase of 1.75%. Higher rates would better suit Irish conditions as interest rates here
are still negative in real terms at the prevailing rate of inflation. This invites overinvestment. As
mentioned already, policy must be determined however by reference to the euro area as a whole.
Membership of the euro area will continue to require disciplines and benchmarks and provide stability
from which we should benefit substantially in the long run. This is one good reason for optimism
about the future of the Irish economy.
The Irish economy
The Irish economy continues to exceed best expectations. Before addressing difficulties and potential
problems, may I acknowledge achievements. We are in an economic position that most would envy
and successive administrations deserve credit for this. The problems that we address today are
problems of success.
The Central Bank estimates growth this year will be 81⁄2%. There is little evidence of a slowdown. This
level of growth cannot be sustained. The signs of overheating of the economy are already evident.
Labour shortages, congestion and accelerating house prices are testament to this. There is a dilemma.
On the one hand, there is a large budget surplus and an obvious need for high investment in areas such
as infrastructure. On the other hand, an expansionary approach to the budget tends to generate
overheating, to increase the threat of inflation and ultimately undermine the competitiveness that has
got us where we are today. There is no simple nor definite answer. There is no alternative, however, to
restraint. This restraint must extend to incomes and to current expenditure generally. The pay terms
and tax reductions contained in the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness (PPF) should deliver real
income increases over the period of the agreement. It is important that the economy is not undermined
by wage drift.
The dilemma that I have outlined is not simply a matter of economics. It also involves political and
social choices, which are outside the remit of the Central Bank.
The Central Bank estimate of average inflation for this year on a CPI basis is 43⁄4%. Last year the
average was 1.6%. Put in context, this means that Irish inflation will be substantially beyond the
average for the euro area this year. Nobody claims that inflation here must be at the same level as in
the euro area in general. It is reasonable to expect that inflation would be somewhat higher than the
average, because of our economic growth and higher productivity growth. The gap, however, has
become too wide. Inflation is expected to go higher in the months ahead before it goes lower again. On
favourable assumptions, especially in relation to energy prices, the Central Bank forecasts an average
inflation rate of 33⁄4% in 2001. High and sustained services inflation could push this higher.
Perhaps the greatest threat at the moment is a wage-price spiral that could get out of hand. The danger
is that expectations might become detached from reality at a time when the economy's scope for
increased output is diminishing because of supply constraints.
It has been suggested that higher inflation may be a suitable route to a soft landing and that there may
be no need to worry about inflation. This proposition, which undoubtedly has superficial appeal,
overlooks the dynamics of the inflationary spiral that could lead to a very sharp deterioration. It also
overlooks the difficulty of regaining competitiveness once it has been lost. It is not so long ago since
the wage price spirals of the 1970s and 1980s resulted in high unemployment and emigration. In
addition, this trend could worsen the impact of an external shock to the economy, such as a sharp
depreciation of sterling against the euro or a sharp fall in the US stock market.
Private sector credit is now rising at a rate of 25% year-on-year. The overall stock of credit has been
rising to the point where it is now roughly at the European average. This growth reflects confidence in
the economy, strong growth and low interest rates. Residential and commercial property prices have
accelerated at an alarming rate. Property prices, as a percentage of disposable income, are now at
historically high levels. In the context of the concern about housing costs, there have been calls for
restrictions on credit growth. There is no authority to impose restrictions as we might wish. The
Central Bank contribution is to ensure that the lending institutions have made good provisions for the
rainy day. In the past year the Bank has put emphasis on stress testing and we have advised the banks
repeatedly to pay strict attention to risk management. We remain uneasy about the continuing upward
spiral in property prices; apart from other considerations, this generates an inflation mentality. The
recent initiatives on housing taken by Government are to be welcomed.
I said earlier that the present rate of growth cannot be sustained. The Central Bank estimates that the
economy could, however, sustain a growth rate of the order of 41⁄2-5%, which is impressive by any
standard. It may be feasible to maintain exceptional growth for quite some time ahead through
importing labour. In view of the existing congestion levels in urban centres and the acceleration in
accommodation costs, it is questionable whether our infrastructure can cope with this. Besides, the
longer the surge in growth, the greater the downside risks. A slowdown is inevitable in time. This can
- and I expect that it will be - achieved in a smooth and orderly manner, provided there is wage and
price restraint. A smooth transition will require careful management; it may involve some erosion of
our competitive position vis-à-vis our main trading partners and the objective must be to minimise
this.
The Irish economy is one of the most open economies in the world. Last year, total trade - total
exports and imports of goods and services - amounted to around 160% of GDP and this figure is
expected to rise this year. Expressed as a percentage of GNP, this figure would be even higher.
Because of this, developments in relation to competitiveness are particularly important for the Irish
economy.
Supervision
May I now turn briefly to another aspect of the Central Bank's activities, namely the supervision of
financial institutions. The number of financial entities that we supervise at present is of the order of
1,000. This includes 80 credit institutions, 600 investment intermediaries and 260 entities in the
International Financial Services Centre. On top of this, we police about 2,000 funds in the Centre.
There is legislation before the Oireachtas at the moment providing for the transfer of responsibility for
insurance intermediaries to the Bank. We are preparing for this transfer; I understand that the Bank
will assume responsibility for up to 6,000 such intermediaries.
In Europe, there is a gathering debate about the role of the Eurosystem in the supervision of the
financial system. While the ESCB has a general involvement in supervision under the Maastricht
Treaty, it does not have a day-to-day role. There is a potential for a more direct supervisory role under
the Treaty but this would require a Council of Ministers decision. There is now a recognised gap in the
system as there is nobody directly responsible for financial stability at euro area level. This debate is
only beginning and I would be engaging in speculation if I went further on this subject. We are likely
to see the emergence in due course of some European or euro area dimension to supervision.
The Irish financial industry continues to grow successfully. The priority for the Central Bank is to
provide a regulatory service for this industry that matches the best international standards. I believe
that we are doing so. I believe that, in general, our financial industry is now strongly compliant.
Unacceptable practices of earlier years, relating to taxation, have damaged the reputation of the
industry. There is now an awareness and an acceptance, at senior management and board levels, of the
need for greater emphasis on the proper conduct of affairs.
It is important to appreciate the contribution which this industry makes to the Irish economy. About
45,000 people are employed in financial services here. These services now account for about 7% of
GDP. The contribution from the International Financial Services Centre alone to the Irish economy is
estimated in the region of £1 billion. These are big figures.
The financial services industry is going through a period of great change. This is due to a combination
of factors, notably new technology and cross-border activity. Technology does not respect national
boundaries and it is changing the whole environment. The latest phenomenon is internet banking
which introduces new challenges for the regulator who must ensure that the interests of customers are
safeguarded. Financial institutions are concerned that there be clarity from a legal and regulatory
perspective. The Central Bank has adopted a very positive approach towards the use of the internet as
a medium to provide services; a number of applications for licence or authorisation are being
considered. Our local industry is under threat from centralisation within the European Union as the
financial markets become more integrated. Investors have a preference for larger markets with greater
liquidity. Up to 30 banks from the European Economic Area are now branching into Ireland. We
cannot entirely dismiss the prospect that within a few years the Irish market could be dominated by
foreign owned banks. Competition is growing more intense; there is a price to be paid and this is
perhaps reflected in the recent closures of local branches which can no longer be subsidised. The Irish
banks must be cost efficient in order to maintain their position.
This is the background against which the regulator must operate. A high level of professionalism is
demanded. We must aspire to having the highest standards of regulation. We must keep pace with
international developments and much is happening internationally.
General
In conclusion, may I draw attention to some figures in the Annual Report and Accounts of the Central

Bank for 1999. The Bank's profits from its operations during 1999 were million. Of this,
 million is transferred to the Exchequer. At the end of last year, the Bank reserves were in the
region of  billion. The numbers employed last year totalled approximately 650 of whom about 140
worked on supervision. Full details of all our activities are given in the Annual Report; I recommend
this to the Committee.