Irish Finance Minister backs proposal to cut tax on investment funds

Irish Finance Minister backs proposal to cut tax on investment funds

Finance Minister Jack Chambers has supported a recommendation from his department to reduce the tax rate on certain investment funds from 41 per cent to 33 per cent. The proposal follows a review by civil servants who suggested that lowering the levy would simplify the tax system and encourage more people to invest in funds. … Read more

Four new farm innovation projects get green light with €2.2m investment

Four new farm innovation projects get green light with €2.2m investment

Minister for Agriculture Charlie McConalogue and Minister of State Pippa Hackett have announced funding for four groundbreaking farming projects aimed at improving animal welfare and boosting women’s participation in agriculture. The European Innovation Partnership (EIP) projects, worth over €2.2 million combined, will tackle pressing challenges in Irish farming, including a pioneering initiative to help women … Read more

Consumer watchdog investigates Dublin port over competition concerns

Consumer watchdog investigates Dublin port over competition concerns

Ireland’s competition watchdog has launched a probe into Dublin Port Company, investigating potential anti-competitive practices at the country’s busiest port. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) is looking into suspected breaches of competition law, specifically focusing on how Dublin Port provides crucial infrastructure and towage services – the essential operations that help guide vessels … Read more

Banking scam alert: Fraudsters trick Irish public out of thousands using fake text messages

Banking scam alert: Fraudsters trick Irish public out of thousands using fake text messages

A dangerous new banking scam is making rounds across Ireland, with victims losing up to €8,000 to clever fraudsters who pose as bank officials, banking authorities warned today. The scam starts with a simple text message claiming to be from your bank about a new direct debit on your account. But here’s the catch – … Read more

Ireland’s emissions drop by 2.2% in first three months of 2024, EPA report finds

Ireland’s emissions drop by 2.2% in first three months of 2024, EPA report finds

Ireland saw its overall greenhouse gas emissions fall by 2.2 per cent during the first three months of 2024 in comparison to the same period last year, according to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). As per the EPA’s quarterly emission data, the largest sectoral decrease was observed in the Electricity generation sector, … Read more

Youth left behind: Poll reveals deep frustration with government response to crisis

Youth left behind: Poll reveals deep frustration with government response to crisis

According to The Irish Examiner, young Irish people feel increasingly abandoned by government policies that fail to address their mounting struggles with housing and living costs, a revealing new poll has found. The National Youth Council’s latest survey paints a stark picture of the growing divide between political actions and the harsh realities facing Ireland’s … Read more

Major relief for families as Foreign Surgery Plan tackles kids' waiting lists

Major relief for families as Foreign Surgery Plan tackles kids’ waiting lists

According to The Irish Examiner, Irish children stuck in lengthy queues for spinal surgery will soon have the option to receive treatment abroad, thanks to a new healthcare initiative launching in 2025. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly is set to present the groundbreaking plan to Cabinet, which will enable children who have been waiting longer than … Read more

Ireland takes baby steps on climate goals, But road ahead remains long

Ireland takes baby steps on climate goals, But road ahead remains long

According to The Irish Examiner, Ireland has seen a modest 2.2% drop in greenhouse gas emissions during the first three months of this year, marking a step in the right direction for the country’s climate efforts. While this reduction offers a glimmer of hope, experts warn that Ireland still has a long way to go … Read more

Taskforce recommends stronger Garda presence, more housing to revitalise Dublin

Taskforce recommends stronger Garda presence, more housing to revitalise Dublin

A taskforce set up to revitalise the city of Dublin has recommended amping up Gardai presence, upgrading CCTV network, and converting derelict sites into high-density residential units, among other key measures. The taskforce was set up by the Taoiseach in May 2024 with an objective to develop a set of recommendations to rejuvenate the capital … Read more

Taoiseach Simon Harris signals general election in Ireland could be held in 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris signals general election in Ireland could be held in 2024

Taoiseach Simon Harris has indicated that the general election in Ireland will take place this year. Speaking to media ahead of a meeting with coalition leaders, Harris said that the government would “amicably agree a time period” for the upcoming election. Harris acknowledged that the election is “not far away at this stage,” suggesting that … Read more

Survey reveals ‘enormous’ teacher shortage crisis in Irish primary and special schools

Survey reveals ‘enormous’ teacher shortage crisis in Irish primary and special schools

Underlining the teacher shortage crisis in Ireland, a recent survey has revealed that at least 951 teaching positions remain vacant in primary and special schools across the country. Schools expect this number to triple in the coming months due to the teacher shortage, RTE reported. The survey was conducted by the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation … Read more

Rental watchdog barks for more bite: RTB seeks power to sniff out hidden landlords

Rental watchdog barks for more bite: RTB seeks power to sniff out hidden landlords

Ireland’s rental market could soon face stricter oversight as the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) eyes new powers to tackle unregistered landlords. The watchdog is considering asking for the authority to inspect properties even when they suspect a tenancy hasn’t been officially registered. Currently, the RTB’s hands are tied. They can only inspect a property after … Read more

Nursing homes urged to claim Safety Improvement Funds before deadline

Nursing homes urged to claim Safety Improvement Funds before deadline

Minister Mary Butler is calling on nursing home providers to act fast and submit their claims for the Nursing Home Resident Safety Improvement (RSI) Scheme. With a deadline of November 15, 2024, time is running out for facilities to tap into this €10 million fund aimed at boosting infection prevention and fire safety. “We want … Read more

Storm Ashley leaves thousands in the dark across Ireland

Storm Ashley leaves thousands in the dark across Ireland

A powerful storm named Ashley is causing chaos across Ireland, leaving over 53,000 homes, farms, and businesses without power. The storm’s fierce winds have hit western and northern areas particularly hard. Mayo, Galway, Sligo, Clare, and Kerry are among the worst-affected counties, along with parts of North Cork and North Dublin. The ESB, Ireland’s electricity … Read more