First, considering the prospects for the Japanese economy from the first perspective, we carefully analyzed various economic data released since the January MPM in addition to all relevant information available prior to it.
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.