New figures from the Central Statistics Office show that the annual rate of inflation slowed to 7.8% in January from 8.2% in December. The CSO said that prices fell overall in the month by 0.8%. Core inflation, which strips out energy and food prices, stood at 5%. The traditional January sales saw the price of…

Almost one in five Irish firms experienced a cyber attack or data breach in 2022, according to a new survey. The study from professional services firm Aon shows that large companies with more than 250 employees are more at risk. According to the research, 35% of firms have provided cyber security training to employees which…

Work is set to continue across Government over the next few days on drawing up another round of measures to assist households to cope with the rising cost of living. Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe are finalising proposals that will go to Government party leaders before a final…

The rate of increase in residential property prices nationally continued to slow during the final month of last year, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office. In the year to the end of December, prices across the country rose by 7.8%, down from 8.5% in the twelve months to the end of…

The Coalition leaders and senior ministers will consider a new round of cost-of-living financial supports later today, ahead of a decisive Cabinet meeting on Tuesday. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said last night that expectations need to be tempered against the financial limits set by last September’s Budget. Mr Varadkar re-iterated that this new package would be…

The value of Irish exports and imports hit a new record high last year, according to the Central Statistics Office, despite the challenging economic backdrop. Total exports reached €208 billion, up over €42 billion or 26% compared with the previous year. While total imports were worth €140 billion, an increase of €36 billion or 35%….

Applications will no longer be accepted under the Immigrant Investor Programme (IIP) from the close of business on Wednesday, the Minister for Justice has confirmed. Simon Harris said the scheme had been under review for “quite a period of time” and that “strong advice” was presented to him recently that led him to make this…

After a pandemic imposed shutdown, the wedding sector is booming once again. But that surge in demand, coupled with inflation means those looking to say ‘I do’ can expect to pay higher prices for their big day. Those working in the industry say the price of hosting a wedding is up around 20% compared to…

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said there will be further meetings this week in relation to the hospitality VAT rate, involving the key ministers of finance, public expenditure, social protection and the party leaders. The 9% VAT rate for the industry is due to expire at the end of the month, when it will revert to 13.5%….

Further increases in health insurance premiums cannot be ruled out later this year, according to one health insurance expert. Laya Healthcare followed rivals Irish Life Health and VHI in announcing a hike in the cost of some of its premiums late last week. It means all of the providers in the market have recently increased…