The national accounts bring together into one overall framework the different aspects of the economy. They are used by policy makers, analysts and researchers to examine the performance of the economy. Because they are developed using international standards, they can be used to compare Ireland with other countries.
Another important use in recent years is for regulatory purposes within the EU. For example, Ireland's contribution to the EU budget is partly based on GNP levels. The GDP figures are also used as the basis for the measures of government deficit and debt as percentages of GDP. These are used to monitor compliance with the Stability and Growth Pact (SGP). The SGP is an agreement among the EU member states to facilitate and maintain the stability of the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU).