ABSTRACT
In this concluding chapter we attempt to draw together the issues discussed in the previous chapters so as to formulate an overall assessment of Irish economic development since independence. Section 12.1 briefly recapitulates the record of success and failure. We then review the factors inherited from the past or emanating from abroad, which imposed constraints on Irish economic potential during this period. Section 12.3 attempts to identify the chief internal failings during the period which in our view led to a short-fall between actual and potential progress. In the final section we consider how well placed Ireland is now to meet the future.
