Government submits five year economic plan to EU
The Government has submitted a five year economic plan to the EU setting out its spending projections as part of a process of much greater oversight of Ireland’s budgets. The Medium Term Fiscal and Structural Plan says each EU Government “will commit to a binding fiscal path as well as to a set of public […]
Extra €1bn spend above Budget figures announced by Government
Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe has announced additional spending of €1bn above the figures published on Budget Day. The extra expenditure contained in the supplementary estimates relates to the Departments of Housing, Social Protection and Education for 2024. The measures were agreed at a Cabinet meeting today. Other additional spending had been announced earlier. […]
Euro zone banks see rebound in loan demand as rates fall – ECB
Demand for bank loans across the 20-nation euro zone rose in the third quarter and a further increase is expected in the final three months of the year, with household mortgages driving the expansion, a European Central Bank survey showed today. Lending growth has been hovering just above zero all year as high interest rates […]
All Govt departments, State bodies to accept cash under new strategy
The Minister for Finance will seek Cabinet approval for a strategy that will make it a requirement for all Government departments and State bodies to accept cash or facilitate cash payments. Jack Chambers will tell Cabinet colleagues that cash remains the preferred form of payment for many people in society, particularly older people, and it […]
Ireland’s pension system ranking drops to 18th place, report finds
Ireland’s pension system ranking has dropped to 18th place when compared with global peers, a new report shows. The Mercer CFA Institute Global Pension Index compares 48 retirement income systems, covering 65% of the world’s population. The Netherlands’ retirement income system retained the top spot on the list, with Iceland and Denmark remaining in second […]
Ireland to miss EU cybersecurity deadline
Ireland is to miss a deadline to transpose a new European Union cybersecurity directive into Irish law. The Network and Information Security Directive, or NIS2, is supposed to be adopted by EU Member States by 17 October. It requires organisations in both the public and private sector to boost their cyber defences. NIS2 expands the […]
Average mortgage rate unchanged for third consecutive month despite ECB cuts – Central Bank
The average interest rate on new Irish mortgages remained unchanged for the third month running in August at 4.11%, new figures from the Central Bank shows today. The standstill comes despite a European Central Bank rate cut in June of 0.25%. It means that the average cost of a new mortgage in Ireland remains the […]
Slight contraction in construction activity in September
Construction activity contracted slightly in September, the fourth time it has decreased in the last five months. The BNP Paribas Real Estate (BNPPRE) Ireland Construction Total Activity Index fell to 49 from 50 a month earlier. Activity in the housing sector resumed expanding following a tiny dip in the previous month. It means that activity […]
ECB accounts show cautious stance on further policy easing
European Central Bank policymakers appeared content with the drop in inflation when they met last month but argued for a gradual policy easing given stubborn price pressures, the accounts of their September 12 policy meeting showed today. The ECB cut interest rates last month and said it would keep an open mind about October but […]
Annual inflation falls to 0.7% – lowest since March 2021
A drop in energy prices has resulted in a significant fall in inflation which declined from 1.7% in the 12 months to August to 0.7% in September – the lowest level since March 2021. This means that prices are still rising on an annual basis, but they are doing so at a much lower pace […]
Half of all contactless payments made using mobile wallets
Smartphones and watches are becoming the preferred payment method for many, new data shows. The latest figures from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) show that half of all contactless payments are now made using mobile wallets such as Apple Pay or Google Pay, rather than cards. In the 12 months to June, a total […]
EU’s financial watchdog warns of growing budget risks
There are growing risks to the EU budget due to a record amount of debt, Russia’s war against Ukraine and high inflation, according to the annual report of the EU’s financial watchdog. The report warns that the EU will need to find new funding models to pay for upcoming commitments, such as enlargement, and potentially […]
Public encouraged to recycle electronics which may contain valuable metals
The public is being encouraged to dig out unwanted electronics and cables which could contain valuable metals. Ahead of International E-Waste Day next Monday, WEEE Ireland, the country’s national compliance scheme for the recycling of e-waste, has warned that disposing of e-waste incorrectly has high financial and environmental costs. Increasing recovery and recycling rates, it […]
61% of business leaders believe Budget 2025 will support growth
More than three in five business leaders believe Budget 2025 will help them achieve their strategic priorities amid pressing business challenges, a new survey from the Irish Management Institute reveals. The new research is based on a survey of 180 senior business leaders across private, public and semi-state organisations in Ireland attending the IMI’s National […]
Govt legislation over planning system to go before TDs
The Government’s extensive legislation to overhaul the planning system is due to go before TDs tonight for a final vote. The proposed law will see An Bord Pleanála renamed to An Coimisiún Pleanála and a reformed process for taking judicial reviews introduced. Running to more than 900 pages, the legislation is a key part of […]
Govt’s move to increase spending above 5% will aggravate inflation, Central Bank Governor says
The Governor of the Central Bank has the Government’s decision to increase spending above 5% over an extended period will aggravate price inflation and wage pressures. Gabriel Makhlouf said given current macroeconomic conditions, the continued expansionary fiscal stance adds unnecessary stimulus to an economy at full employment. The situation will undermine competitiveness and create risks […]
ECB policymakers press case for October rate cut
Several European Central Bank policymakers argued their case today for another interest rate cut next week, even if some of their colleagues remained unconvinced as turmoil in the Middle East fuels volatility in energy costs. The ECB has already lowered rates twice this year and a cut to the 3.5% deposit rate on October 17 […]
Poll suggests ECB to cut rates by 25bps in Oct and Dec
The European Central Bank (ECB) will cut its deposit rate by 25 basis points on October 17 and again in December, according to more than 90% of economists polled by Reuters who now see a quicker decline in euro zone inflation. Only 12% of economists polled last month had predicted an October cut. But most […]