In Ireland, there are 33,000 millionaires, which ranks it among the wealthiest countries, according to a survey conducted in the eight largest OECD countries. The report compiled by economist Pat O’Sullivan describes 2006 as a “favorable year” for wealth creation in Ireland.
Household wealth increased by 19 percent that year compared to 2005. These figures place Ireland second in the survey, behind Japan and ahead of Italy, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Germany, and Canada. The report also highlights that in 2006, wealth per capita rose to €196,000, while the previous year it was €168,000. A large portion of national wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few wealthy individuals, the report claims, showing that the top 1 percent holds 20 percent of national wealth. The survey also indicates that the country had 33,000 millionaires in 2006, which is 10 percent more than the previous year. (H)
