RBS is committed to retaining Ulster Bank operations in the Republic, but the round of cost-cutting will continue relentlessly, Ulster Bank has said.

A rebound in banks helped lift European stocks from their lowest levels since 2013, trimming a second weekly decline.

Almost all private sector staff, no matter where they work, can expect a salary increase of just over 2% next year, according to a major report published this morning.

The cost of motor insurance is continuing to rise.

The cost of car insurance is rising dramatically and urgent action will be required to stem future steep increases, the AA, one of the country’s largest insurance brokers, has said.

The Irish Exporters’ Association has called for restraint in public sector pay rises and accused the Government of lacking the courage to tackle the issue in the proper manner.

Homelessness charities and student unions have warned about a rental housing crisis in Ireland as a new survey confirmed huge shortages are sending costs soaring, with rents now rising at a faster pace in major cities such as Cork, Galway and Limerick than in the capital.

Last week saw a series of encouraging GDP reports published in a number of economies.