Two-thirds of businesses expect to take on new employees next year as the upturn in the economy takes hold and begins to positively impact enterprise here.

Costs associated with the receivership of flagship assets owned by independent TD Mick Wallace’s main construction firm, M&J Wallace now top €420,000.

The overwhelming majority of publicans expect trade to worsen, while three-quarters report a continuing decline in customer spending on drink, a study has shown.

Almost €500m in judgments have been registered in the courts in the first six months of the year, according to the information services company Experian.