Ireland Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Ireland's government spending was 18.65% in 2025, ranked 89th globally. This represents a 3.1% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Ireland's government spending stood at 18.65% in 2025, a decline of +0.59% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 18.65% by 2025. Ireland ranked 89th globally.
Ireland's government spending has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past five decades, fluctuating from an all-time peak of 62.41% of GDP in 2010 to a low of 18.65% in 2025, the latter of which ranks the country 89th globally. This substantial decline represents a 70% reduction from the peak, underscoring a marked shift in fiscal policy. In comparison, Rwanda, a peer country with a similar ranking, has maintained a relatively stable government spending ratio, while Uganda, another peer, has seen its ratio rise to 19.02%. Ireland's government spending as a percentage of GDP in 2025 is lower than that of Canada, its G7 peer, which stands at 18.13%. The downward trajectory of Ireland's government spending is likely to continue as the country strives to achieve fiscal sustainability, but a shift in economic conditions or policy changes could alter this trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 18.65% | - | - |
| 2025 | 18.65% | −0.59% | #89 |
| 2022 | 19.24% | −3.02% | #25 |
| 2021 | 22.26% | −2.87% | #40 |
| 2020 | 25.13% | +3.13% | #48 |
| 2019 | 22.00% | −1.06% | #54 |
| 2018 | 23.05% | −0.69% | #65 |
| 2017 | 23.75% | −1.99% | #68 |
| 2016 | 25.74% | −0.85% | #73 |
| 2015 | 26.59% | −7.80% | #77 |
| 2014 | 34.39% | −3.24% | #108 |
| 2013 | 37.63% | −2.36% | #105 |
| 2012 | 39.98% | −4.49% | #115 |
| 2011 | 44.47% | −17.94% | #118 |
| 2010 | 62.41% | +18.37% | #126 |
| 2009 | 44.04% | +6.97% | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The Irish drug watchdog's backing of Wegovy funding, with a flagged €4.4 billion bill, indicates a significant potential future expenditure for the Irish government. If approved, this cost would directly impact Ireland's Government Spending, currently at 18.65% of GDP, by adding a substantial new item to the national budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's government spending was 18.65% in 2025. Ranked 89th globally. This represents a 3.1% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's government spending peaked at 62.41% in 2010.
The lowest government spending in Ireland was 18.65% in 2025.
Ireland ranks 89th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's government spending is projected to reach 18.65% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Ireland in 2025 was 18.65%. This ranks 89th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_government-spending,
title = {Ireland Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}