Brian Finn

Business Journalist

Brian Finn is a Business Journalist and presenter with RTE News across radio, television and online.

According to CSO figures, there was an 81% increase in the registration of electric cars last year compared to the previous year

Could the reduced EV grant dissuade switch to electric?

The SEAI-administered grant for the purchase of electric vehicles is being reduced to €3,500 from €5,000 this summer. Together with moderating fuel prices, could it convince motorists to hold off on making the switch to electric, frustrating the achievement of official EV targets?

Business • 02 Apr 23

78% of respondents to this American Chamber survey said the number of employees in the Irish operations had increased over the last 12 months

Two thirds of US-based firms here plan to hire more

Almost two thirds of US-based companies operating in Ireland say they intend to grow employee headcount at their operations here over the next twelve months.

Business • 29 Mar 23

While one third of respondents claimed to have a good knowledge of mortgages, just a fifth said they were familiar with investments and pensions

Financial literacy lags other countries - BoI study

Financial literacy levels in Ireland appear to lag those in other comparable jurisdictions, a study carried out on behalf of Bank of Ireland concludes.

Business • 29 Mar 23

Unlike their European banking counterparts, which appeared to have move quite swiftly in response to rate hikes, the main pillar banks here have been raising mortgage rates gradually

In the money - Irish banks are boosted by rates bounce

As the banks reported annual results last week, the extent to which interest rate increases are boosting the bottom line was laid bare. And the outlook is positive. However, challenges are apparent, not least of all the pressure that consumers and businesses are coming under as cost pressures mount.

Business • 12 Mar 23

Three in five house buyers said the high cost of conventional utilities means they plan to power their home with renewable energy

Energy rating important consideration for home buyers

Energy concerns are to the fore among prospective house buyers, a new survey suggests, as the cost-of-living squeeze continues to bite.

Business • 06 Mar 23

Dr Niall O'Keeffe, Head of Enterprise at LEO Cork City; Deputising for Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Des Cahill; Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Simon Coveney; and Sean Lotty, Enterprise Executive, LEO Cork City

Local Enterprise Week kicks off as challenges mount

Up to 10,000 business people, and those hoping to establish a business, are expected to take part in more than 300 events over the coming days to mark Local Enterprise Week.

Business • 06 Mar 23

The Nasdaq recorded its best opening month of a year in over two decades with a gain of over 11% in January alone

Is the market bounce of 2023 fading rapidly?

A wave of optimism washed over the investment landscape in January following a brutal 2022. However, it appears to have been short lived with a bout of volatility taking hold again in February. The reality appears to be dawning on investors that Central Banks are serious about more rate hikes.

Business • 05 Mar 23

More than a third of those surveyed by the ILCU said they believed they didn't incur any charges if they met the minimum monthly repayment on their cards, which is not the case

Got a credit card? Focus on the interest

Revolut is to start rolling out credit cards to its customers here, making it the sixth provider in the market. However, understanding of credit cards and how they work is quite low here with two thirds of people admitting that they don't know what interest rate is attached to their cards.

Business • 27 Feb 23