Inflation is low and unemployment has fallen.
Ireland has avoided some of the dips experienced by many other OECD economies too over the last decade. But this favourable disposition of the Irish economy does not explain the remarkable growth record of recent years. The OECD's latest country survery on Ireland does. It cites favourable demographic factors, and a sharp improvement in skills and education. EU structural funds have also made a significant contribution, as has integration in the EU market.