The Irish Republic's economy shrank in the second quarter from the previous three months, surprising analysts who had been expecting growth.
Gross domestic product (GDP) fell 1.2%, the Central Statistics Office said. It also revised down its measure of growth in the first quarter to 2.2% from 2.7%.
Gross national product (GNP), seen by some as a more accurate barometer of the economy, fell by 0.3%.
The government has been seeking to reassure investors about the economy.
There have been concerns in the markets about the health of the Irish economy and government finances because of continued problems in the banking sector.
BBC News
