German Finance Minister 'jealous' of Irish
German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble has said Ireland's economic forecasts have made him jealous of Irish politicians.
"In Germany, the forecast is weaker than it used to be some months ago, this is true, other member states as well," he said.
"There is one outstanding exemption, and that is Ireland.
"In Ireland, the forecast has increased tremendously.
"We all are jealous of our Irish colleagues, which have been so successful and once again I can only congratulate them."
He joined Finance Minister Michael Noonan at Farmleigh today for the signing ceremony of the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland.
It is a vehicle funded by German, European and Irish money which will make at least €800m in credit available to Irish businesses available at lower interest rates.
