The coronavirus crisis has punched an €8.3 billion hole in the public finances, according to the latest exchequer returns. The figures show the Government’s budget deficit – the difference between what it spends and what it takes in in taxes – swelled to €7.4 billion in July as VAT receipts crashed and spending on income […]

Activity in the services sector grew in July for the first time since the economy entered lockdown restrictions earlier this year, according to data from AIB. The July purchasing managers index (PMI) witnessed a modest expansion but the volumes of income new sales fell further, while employment continued to decline. The business activity index rose […]

Research and innovation is the bedrock of success for the most ambitious companies that scale internationally, diversify their export base and create jobs at home. A higher education sector and research ecosystem that is outward looking and internationally engaged, and collaborating with Irish companies, is of critical importance to Ireland’s place in the world and […]