However, preliminary indicators point to a loss in employment opportunities in the first half of 2003. Over the same period, productivity growth receded while the average remuneration per worker rose at an estimated annualised rate of 10 per cent.
Back to the present, I am delighted that the Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland has been involved in the development, organisation and hosting of this latest conference. I know that we have benefited significantly from collaborating with the ECB and CFS in this field and I look forward to further developing these links in the future.