'Robust' second quarter, acquired GDP growth 3% says Franco

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 8 - The Italian economy had a "robust" second quarter of the year, Economy Minister Daniele Franco told the AGM of the Italian Banking Association (ABI) Friday.
    "We estimate robust growth in the quarter that has just finished", he said.
    He said this would push 'acquired' GDP growth for this year so far to 3%.
    Industrial production rose 2% in the second quarter, the economy ministry said.
    Franco went on to say that the government would continue to tamp down Italians' soaring energy bills, but with selective intervention on the cost of living crisis.
    "The government intends to continue to try to contain the impact of rising energy bills but the interventions will be more selective and tailored to the needs of households", he told ABI.
    On the controversial 'superbonus' for home improvements, Franco said the government would set up a 'control room' to recover sums fraudulently obtained by claimants of the subsidy in Italy.
    Franco also stressed the importance of creating jobs and said a reduction of the labour-tax wedge to free up money to hire was a priority.
    "We must boost the rate of employment which is particularly low, looking to young people, women and the Mezzogiorno", he told the bankers.
    "The reduction of the tax wedge is a priority," he said, saying this would be included in the next budget bill. (ANSA).