​The International Monetary Fund has said growth in the Irish economy is expected to "remain strong".

But it warned that risks are "tilted to the downside" as there is "substantial uncertainty" due to the fall-out from the ongoing war in Ukraine.

The IMF forecasts growth in GDP (Gross Domestic Product) terms of 6% this year and 5% next year. It expects inflation to average 6.5% this year before falling to 2.8% next year.

​Bars, hotels and restaurants fear they risk going out of business if Government fails to retain some Covid supports this year.

According to a survey by insolvency experts Kroll and the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI), more than 85pc of hospitality firms say they would not have survived without government supports.

Out of 150 companies surveyed, 42pc said they will not have enough working capital after the end of supports, such as the employment wage subsidy scheme, which will stop this month.