News

What was the cost of Level 5 on our economy and health?

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 […]

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Irish Fiscal Advisory Council critical of Government non-Covid expenditure commitments

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 […]

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80% of law firms see deteriorating outlook for sector – survey

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 […]

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€6.85m paid out in Enterprise Support Grants since August

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 […]

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Brexit talks resume in London for what could be final week

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 […]

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Enterprise Ireland survey reveals lack of readiness for Brexit

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 […]

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Bosses concerned about isolation among remote workers – IoD Survey

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 […]

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No changes to Central Bank’s mortgage rules

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 […]

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Switching off: Do workers have a ‘right to disconnect’?

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 […]

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ECB warns against early withdrawal of Covid supports

The European Central Bank has said if governments withdraw financial support from households and companies too early, it could “set back the economic recovery”.  In its latest Financial Stability Review published today, the ECB says “vulnerabilities in the corporate sector are increasing as the pandemic evolves”. This could “test the resilience of euro area banks […]

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