Ireland to bust EU rules with 6.5% deficit

Ireland, the first European Union country technically in recession in 2008, is planning to abandon European Union fiscal rules in 2009. Dublin is projecting the largest budget deficit in 20 years, as the economy slows amid a housing slump and international credit crunch.

Irish Times, 15.10.08: Backlash predicted over budget http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/breaking/2008/1015/breaking2.htm

Ireland: Ministry of Finance: Budget http://www.budget.gov.ie/

Ireland: Department of the Taoiseach: Speech, 15.10.08 http://www.taoiseach.gov.ie/index.asp?locID=582&docID=4049

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