Uncategorized

The possible future introduction of a universal basic income (UBI) would have both positive impacts and drawbacks, according to a new study from the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). A UBI is defined as a universal, unconditional payment that is made regularly, is sufficient to live on, is not means tested and carries no…

European Union countries’ energy ministers meet in Brussels today to attempt to agree a cap on gas prices – their latest idea to tame Europe’s energy crisis but one that countries are still split over. Country leaders last week urged their ministers to approve the cap today, in a bid to finalise a measure that…

The European Central Bank will hike interest rates further in the euro zone to combat high inflation, ECB’s Vice-President Luis de Guindos said today. “There will be more interest rate hikes, until when, I don’t know. I am absolutely honest, I don’t know,” De Guindos said. He added that the institution was committed to bring…

New figures from Gas Networks Ireland shows that colder temperatures in November compared to October saw a 13% increase in gas demand last month. But as November was still a relatively mild month overall, gas demand decreased by 7% compared to the same month last year. Today’s figures show monthly increases in gas demand from…

The European Central Bank raised interest rates for the fourth time in a row today, although by less than at its last two meetings. It also pledged further hikes and laid out plans to drain cash from the financial system as part of its fight against runaway inflation. The ECB has been raising rates at…

After an absence of more than two years, work Christmas parties are back with a bang. Staff and employers are being reminded that workplace policies and procedures still apply while at the office party. Many companies are throwing lavish social events this year and using parties to give them an edge in the current tight…

The Government has announced plans for a single application procedure for employment permits and immigration permissions. Currently to work in Ireland, a person from outside the European Economic Area has to first make an application to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for a work permit. They then have to make a second application…

European new car registrations increased sharply in November, data from the region’s carmaker association showed today. The number of new vehicles registered in the European Union, Britain and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) rose by 17.4% to 1.01 million units, the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) said. In the EU, the rise was 16.3%.…

The Economic and Social Research Institute expects the economy to grow “at a significantly reduced pace” next year given the likelihood of recession in overseas markets and continuing cost of living pressures at home. In its latest Quarterly Economic Commentary, the institute also predicts that households with mortgages are likely to see their repayment burdens…

The Minister for Finance has said he expects Ireland’s corporation tax rate will be increased to 15% in 2024 for large companies that are subject to last year’s global tax deal. It follows a deal brokered at EU level earlier this week, which saw Hungary drop its opposition to a minimum corporation tax rate of…