WASHINGTON, Dec 18: The International Monetary Fund disbursed a fresh $1.17 billion to Ireland on Monday, approving the country’s progress under its two-year-old rescue programme.

The IMF said that Ireland had pushed ahead with policy reforms and deficit cutting despite a slowdown in growth this year. It said it expected the country’s fiscal deficit to fall under the 8.6 per cent of GDP target despite pressure to raise social welfare spending due to high joblessness.

The government’s recently submitted 2013 budget aims to reduce that further to 7.5 per cent. “The programme with Ireland has now been in place for two years and the Irish authorities have consistently maintained strong policy implementation,” said IMF First Deputy Managing Director David Lipton.

“All programme targets have been met and a range of fiscal, financial, and structural reforms are in train,” he said.

“The authorities have demonstrated their commitment to put Ireland’s fiscal position on a sound footing, with the 2012 deficit target expected to be met even through growth has been low.” The IMF said that it expected the Irish economy to grow by 1.1 per cent in 2013 and 2.2 per cent in 2014.

Public debt will peak next year at 122 per cent of GDP, the IMF said. But it warned that this forecast faces “significant risks” if the economies of Ireland’s main trading partners further weaken — if the eurozone and the US economies slow further.

In addition, “the gradual revival of domestic demand could be impeded by high private debts, drag from fiscal consolidation, and banks still limited ability to lend.” If growth remains very low in the next few years, the state debt burden could continue to grow, especially if the government is forced to further aid weak banks. The Fund stressed the need for “vigorous implementation” of financial sector reforms to strengthen the banks, as well as reforms in the personal bankruptcy process.

The Fund launched its three-year, $30bn loan programme for Ireland on December 16, 2010, as part of the bailout plan together with the European Commission and the ECB.—AFP