Robert Shortt

Economics Correspondent

The general government surplus figure will be finalised when Government accounts are published on April 17

General Government surplus hits over €6 billion - CSO

New figures from the Central Statistics Office suggest the general government surplus last year was just over €6 billion.

Business • 06 Apr 23

Philip Lane, the ECB's chief economist, said today that euro area banks are 'safe and strong'

ECB may need to increase rates again in May - Lane

The chief economist of the European Central Bank, Philip Lane, has said the bank's next decision on interest rates in May will be "data-dependent" but another rise could be "appropriate" if certain economic conditions are met.

Business • 06 Apr 23

The latest Exchequer figures show corporation tax is up an incredible 71% in the first three months of this year compared to the same time last year

Corporation tax take jumps by 71% in first quarter

The amount of corporation tax collected in the first three months of this year is running €1.35 billion ahead compared to the same time last year.

Business • 04 Apr 23

The survey found 73% of consumers did not shop around when it came to choosing their bank accounts

Most don't shop around for financial products - ESRI

Most people do not shop around for bank accounts or financial products like loans, a survey carried out by the Economic and Social Research Institute has found.

Business • 04 Apr 23

The number of mortgage accounts in short-term arrears rose while the number of accounts in long-term arrears fell, new Central Bank figures show

Short-term mortgage arrears rise in Q4 - Central Bank

The number of private dwelling mortgage accounts in short-term arrears rose by 2,326 in the fourth quarter of last year, according to new Central Bank figures.

Business • 31 Mar 23

The euro zone annual inflation rate slowed to 6.9% in March from 9.5% the previous month

Euro zone inflation falls more than expected to 6.9%

Inflation across the euro area is estimated to have moderated to 6.9% in March from 8.5% in February, according to an initial "flash" estimate from Eurostat.

Business • 31 Mar 23

A new ECB report has found that profits have risen faster than wages in euro zone states

Company profits driving up inflation - ECB

A European Central Bank staff paper published today says bigger company profits are driving inflation more than higher wages.

Business • 30 Mar 23

Inflation here, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, is estimated to have moderated to an annual rate of 7% in March

Inflation rate slows to estimated rate of 7% in March

Inflation in Ireland, as measured by the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices, is estimated to have moderated to an annual rate of 7% in March, the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office show.

Business • 30 Mar 23

IFAC has recommended setting up a state pension fund and using windfall receipts of corporation tax

IFAC recommends Govt sets up State pension fund

The Government has been urged by budgetary watchdog the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council to take steps now to ensure State and public sector pensions are funded into the future.

Business • 30 Mar 23

The ESRI said it expects the domestic economy to grow by 3.8% this year while inflation will moderate to 4.5%

Economy facing risk of overheating this year - ESRI

The economy is set to grow more strongly this year than had been expected and may even overheat, according to the latest quarterly bulletin from the Economic and Social Research Institute.

Business • 29 Mar 23