There should be an examintion into why there were so many predictions of economic downturn in 2005, the Taoiseach said today.
Speaking at the IMI National Management Conference, in Druids Glen, this morning, Mr Ahern said the predictions lead some people to mistakenly hold off buying property.
He said the predictions of a downturn in 2005 "were entirely wrong," adding we should have an examination into why so many people got it so wrong.
Speaking earlier during the conference, Mr Ahern talked up the economy. "Our labour force has grown by a third since 1997. That is half a million extra people in jobs. Last year, employment increased by a further 4.7 per cent," he said.
"In 1997, public capital expenditure was €2 billion. This year it will amount to more than €9 billion, equivalent to 5 per cent of GNP. This is double the European average."
The Taoiseach said the Government was preparing a new National Development Plan, covering the period 2007 to 2013. "This new plan will see massive investment, covering key areas of infrastructure such as transport, environmental services, housing, education, health and childcare.
"Another critical ingredient in building productivity as the key to sustainable growth is the performance of the Public Service. "While there is substantial evidence of strong commitment to change in the system, I believe that the challenge of demonstrating real change and value for money remains significant."
Emphasising the need for increased productivity in the economy, Mr Ahern added: "It is a challenge which the Government wishes to see properly addressed."