The rate of economic growth slowed in the second quarter of 1999, with Gross Domestic Product increasing by 7.8 per cent compared with a 9 per cent rise in the first quarter.

The new figures, which were issued by the Central Statistics Office yesterday, also record strong growth in consumer spending and in investment in buildings and capital equipment during the period. According to the CSO, consumer spending increased by 7.6 per cent, while investment was up 13.3 per cent. Both increases were in line with expectations.

Commenting on the data yesterday, the CSO director, Mr Bill Keating, said the GDP figures are likely to be revised in its annual growth estimates.

The growth in Gross National Product in the second quarter was 7.4 per cent, compared with 6.5 per cent in the first three months of 1999.

Meanwhile, the CSO has revealed that between 1991 and 1997, the Dublin region had the highest disposable income per capita in the State, with Roscommon and Offaly recording the lowest.

Overall, the disposable income per capita in the midland region was 11 per cent below the State average in 1997, while the southern and eastern regions were 3 per cent higher than the national average.

The figures are based on wages and salaries, income from self employment and State benefits.