Employment and Inflation Responses to an Exchange Rate Shock in a Calibrated Model

Ireland has no ability to affect the exchange rate through interest rates following the adoption of the euro. This paper provides a theoretically transparent method for analysing the impact of an exchange rate shock on employment and the aggregate price level in this context. The split between the tradable and non-tradable sectors of the economy is highlighted. The model is used to examine a specific exchange rate shock. The results of this calibration suggest that a sustained increase of 15 per cent in the value of the euro would reduce employment by 1.5 per cent and the domestic price level by about 7.3 per cent.