We have a dangerous dependence on the foreign-owned multinational sector, and there are challenges around infrastructure, particularly water and energy

The key message from the statement outlined an €8.3bn budget package for later in the year but, as in previous years, is likely to be exceeded

In Budget 2024, the Government announced a package in excess of €14.2bn and were still able to deliver a surplus. An even larger package could be on the cards for October

One of the features of the labour force and the business environment that puzzles me to some extent, is the narrative about the challenges facing business owners, particularly due to labour market measures introduced by government. Yet, the reality is that the labour market remains strong

The transfer of customers out of KBC and Ulster Bank expanded the balance sheets of the three existing banks without the trio having to try very hard. It wouldn’t exactly take a genius to generate profits in such an environment

While our media and political classes are going into convulsions, the real problems and issues facing the economy are not getting anything like the attention that they deserve.

A re-evaluation is underway of whether central banks, including the European Central Bank, will aggressively cut rates this year, writes Jim Power

The central scenario seems to be that inflationary pressures will continue to gradually ease, but it is unlikely to be a smooth path as tight labour markets continue to pressurise services sector inflation

'Volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity. These are all terms that could certainly describe the year just past'

The risk is that tax increases could just injure the goose that lays the golden egg