Category: Syndicated

New figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland show that October was the busiest month for mortgage approvals since BPFI began compiling the numbers in 2011. A total of 5,207 mortgages were approved in October. First-time buyers (FTBs) were approved for 3,041 mortgages, or 58.4% of the total volume, while mover purchasers accounted for 1,267 […]

As the country moves out of Level 5 restrictions today, Health Correspondent Fergal Bowers looks at the impact on health services, while Economics Correspondent Robert Shortt examines the financial fallout. The big question about Level 5 restrictions, which are being eased from today is, was it worth it? From a health perspective, the figures show […]

The budgetary watchdog, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC), has said the Government’s commitment in the Budget to support incomes and the economy is “appropriate”. However, it was critical of billions in non-Covid expenditure commitments for which it said there were no long term funding plans in place. The Government is expected to borrow over €20bn […]

A new report shows that nearly two in three Irish law firms recorded a decline in revenue over the last year. Six out of ten firms cited maintaining profitability as a key challenge facing the sector over the next two to three years. The report from accountancy and professional services firm Smith & Williamson – its […]

A total of 7,412 people have availed of the Department of Social Protection’s Enterprise Support Grant since applications were opened in August.  The once-off payment is worth up to €1,000 per person and €6.85m has been paid out in Enterprise Support Grants since August. It is aimed at sole traders such as plumbers, electricians, carpenters […]

Crunch talks aimed at securing a post-Brexit trade deal between the European Union and UK will resume today in what could be the final week of discussions. The EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier and his counterpart David Frost will meet again in London as they seek to hammer out an agreement. With just a month to […]

With just 35 days to Brexit, a new survey from Enterprise Ireland reveals a worrying lack of customs preparedness by Irish companies. A survey by IHS Markit of 600 companies in Ireland, along with analysis of companies which have completed Enterprise Ireland’s Brexit Readiness Checker, shows that 52% of companies view customs and logistics as […]

A new survey shows that the isolation of staff and a lack of cohesion of teams who are working remotely during the Covid-19 pandemic are among the chief concerns of business leaders.  The survey from the Institute of Directors in Ireland shows that only 12% of respondents expressed concern about remote working productivity rates, which […]

The Central Bank has today left its key rules on mortgage lending unchanged and also extended its relaxation of certain regulations on bank reserves into next year. However, the Governor of the Central Bank warned the situation facing the economy is still “very challenging” with “heightened uncertainty” over the implications of higher corporate and sovereign […]

The line between work and home life has blurred for many over the past few months.  While there are countless benefits to remote working, turning your home environment into an office can make it harder to switch off at the end of the day.  With email and text alerts pinging on mobile phones and other […]