The deficit in 2021 now looks set to fall to as low as €5 billion to €6 billion – only 1-1.5% of GDP – according to an economist. Conall MacCoille, chief economist at Davy, said that would amount to one of the smallest deficits in the OECD. His outlook is based on the latest exchequer

The National Public Health Emergency Team is believed to be considering a range of curbs on the hospitality sector tonight, with the aim of reducing transmission of Covid-19. The measures being assessed are thought to include eliminating the capacity of people to book multiple tables, and also reducing numbers to six people per table. It

The Revenue Commissioners have said there have been examples of “absolutely fraudulent behaviour” in relation to the Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme (EWSS). Chairman Niall Cody said these cases have been referred to gardaí and in the context of the overall money paid out, they are very small. However, he said Revenue was very concerned and

A health cover analyst has said a cut in the stamp duty rate on private health insurance is likely to be offset by a rise in premiums next year. Dermot Goode, from Total Health Cover said the Government looks set to implement a reduction in stamp duty that will reduce policy costs from €35 to

Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe is confident the euro zone’s recovery can be sustained into next year even if the Omicron coronavirus variant requires new public health measures, he told the Reuters Next conference today. Mr Donohoe is also the head of the Eurogroup of euro zone finance ministers. Paschal Donohoe said his confidence was based

The unemployment rate, including people receiving temporary Covid-19 jobless benefits, fell to 6.9% in November from 7.9% in October, the latest Central Statistics Office figures show today. The CSO said this measure of unemployment had stood at 20.4% the same time last year. Excluding those on the Pandemic Unemployment Payment, which will be withdrawn in

Employment Wage Subsidy Scheme rates will be reduced from today as part of a plan to gradually wind it down. However, business groups and the opposition have called for the support to continue at the full rate because of the impact the most recently imposed Covid-19 restrictions are having on certain sectors. Last month, 25,900

The Department of Social Protection has said 1.4 million social welfare recipients will receive their Christmas bonus next week. Pensioners, carers, people will disabilities, lone parents and those receiving long-term social welfare are among those who will get an additional 100% payment. The qualifying period for those in receipt of an eligible Jobseekers payment has