Author: splash

EU countries seek way out of impasse over gas price caps

The question of how, when and whether to cap gas prices is set to dominate another meeting of EU countries today, as they pursue a joint plan to target high gas prices. The EU is plotting its next move to tame soaring energy prices and shield consumers from surging bills, as Europe heads into a […]

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Oil steadies as supply tightness duels with recession fears

Oil prices steadied today, recovering from earlier losses, as investors weighed potentially tight supply against economic storm clouds that could foreshadow a global recession and erosion of fuel demand. Brent crude futures for December settlement fell by as much as 1.1% but recovered to being down 17 cents, or 0.2%, at $97.75 a barrel by […]

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Consumers urged to support local designers and makers amid cost-of-living squeeze

Consumers are being urged to consider buying Irish-made crafts and designs amid the ongoing cost-of-living squeeze, as spending in the wider economy retrenches. The Irish craft and design sector is described as being very significant to the overall economy with up to 18,000 enterprises employing over 50,000 people. The sector is estimated to generate over […]

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Govt to outline dates for payments announced in Budget

The Government will today outline the payment dates for the €1.2 billion worth of lump sum social protection supports announced in last month’s Budget. Minister for Social Protection Heather Humphreys and Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Michael McGrath are expected to set out the details of the eight different lump sums that will be […]

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Oil falls as investors take profit on China demand concerns

Oil prices fell today, snapping five days of gains, as investors took profits after a report on slowing economic activity in China, the world’s biggest crude importer, re-ignited concerns about falling global fuel demand. Brent crude futures for December settlement fell by as much as 1.1%, and was last down 85 cents, or 0.9%, at […]

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Reducing gas prices dominating European summit

Taoiseach Micheál Martin has said Europe will develop a coordinated approach to the energy crisis, but it will take time. Mr Martin has joined other EU leaders at a summit in Prague, which will be dominated by discussions on how to reduce the price of gas after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy […]

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‘Historic milestone’ as new auto-enrolment pension scheme approved

The Government has approved details of the new pension auto-enrolment scheme ahead of its expected introduction in 2024. Workers will be automatically signed up to a pension plan co-funded by their employer and the State but they can opt out if they wish to leave. This plan is for employees who are not already in […]

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Gap between electricity demand and supply likely to get worse – EirGrid

The electricity system will face a shortfall of supply over demand for the next decade, according to grid operator EirGrid. Its annual Generation Capacity Statement, published today, describes the situation as “stark” and “serious” and warns the number of system alerts will increase. Eirgrid’s chief executive said there will be a ‘tight’ winter ahead and […]

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Oil steady as focus turns to US economic data

Oil prices steadied today ahead of key US economic data after rising over 1% in the last session on cuts to OPEC+ production targets. Brent crude futures slipped 11 cents to $94.31 a barrel early this morning. WTI crude futures were down 5 cents to $88.40 a barrel, after earlier hitting $89.37 per barrel, the […]

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Reducing gas prices to dominate European summit

Taoiseach Micheál Martin is joining other EU leaders at a summit in Prague, which will be dominated by discussions on how to reduce the price of gas after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the subsequent energy crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will outline detailed proposals on potential price caps and the need […]

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