The new Irish banking statistics : a review of conceptual issues and monetary agregates

Abstract

New series of monthly banking statistics were included in the Central Bank of Ireland, Annual Report, Spring 1983. The Bank marked the occasion with a background explanatory article entitled "New Banking Statistics and their Implications foi Monetary Aggregates" and with a major revision of the Statistical Appendix to the Report. It was indicated in the article that the statistics being launched were compiled from a new standardised monthly return which had been introduced following a complete review of the Bank's requirements in respect of monthly statistics from the licensed banks and of the concepts and definitions applicable to these statistics. This paper sets out the objectives and features of the new monthly reporting system for the licensed banks against the background of the previous reporting system. It then examines in detail the important conceptual issues which were considered during the review. Finally, the flexibility of the new reporting system is highlighted in a discussion on the derivation and use of the wide range of monetary aggregates which can be compiled from the new statistics.