Brian Finn

Business Journalist

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

Following at least two years of fairly steep price increases, many of us are likely going to feel the pinch more than ever this Christmas

'Buy now, pay later' in focus as festive season nears

As the festive spending period nears, most consumers say they will scale back on their purchases amid the cost of living squeeze. Many will enter into 'buy now, pay later' arrangements for their goods. Central Bank research has uncovered a fairly low level of understanding of the credit arrangement.

Analysis and Comment • 20 Nov 23

It was the first time that the market value exceeded pre-pandemic levels, and came about amid mounting challenges since the start of the decade

'Out of home' food sector hits record €9.3bn in 2023

A more discerning, occasion-led approach to dining out is likely to take hold next year, the latest Bord Bia annual Foodservice Market Insights report concludes.

Business • 15 Nov 23

The Individual Accountability Framework rules are being rolled out by the Central Bank and are due to come into operation over the coming months

Rules could deter executives from seeking senior posts

New governance rules, which would see individuals being held accountable for willful wrongdoing in the financial sector, could stymie recruitment to senior executive positions within organisations, a survey of firms has found.

Business • 14 Nov 23

There has been a continued slowdown in the rate of increase in Dublin

Rents rising nationally but marked slowdown in Dublin

Rents being sought for properties on the open-market nationally are continuing to increase, but there has been a continued slowdown in the rate of increase in Dublin.

Business • 13 Nov 23

Under the Road Traffic and Roads Act (2023), the details for all vehicles operating under flexible motor insurance policies must be uploaded to the national database

Just a third of fleet vehicles added to database

Only around one in three fleet vehicles has been added to the National Fleet Database, according to the latest figures from the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland and the Road Safety Authority.

Business • 13 Nov 23

Mary Considine, CEO The Shannon Airport Group, Neil McCullough from Oxford Economics, and Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Jack Chambers at the launch of today's report

Aviation policy 'failing to create level playing field'

Ireland's aviation policy has to date failed to create a level playing field for Ireland's regional airports to flourish, a report on the economic impact of Shannon Airport on the Irish economy and the wider Mid West region has concluded.

Business • 10 Nov 23

Over 43,000 business people and entrepreneurs throughout Europe took part in the survey which has been conducted on an annual basis for over three decades now

'Cautious optimism' among Irish firms on outlook

A slight improvement in business sentiment has been captured in the latest European Economic Survey carried out on behalf of Eurochambres, of which Chambers Ireland is a member.

Business • 09 Nov 23

15,828 car loans to the value of €189 million were issued in the three months to the end of June

Near 50% jump in value of car loans - BPFI

There has been a surge in the volume and value of car loans being issued here, according to the latest Personal Loans Report from Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

Business • 09 Nov 23

For ten meetings in a row from July of last year, tackling inflation was the ECB's mantra and a hike in interest rates was delivered at each meeting

Where next for interest rates as ECB pauses?

For ten meetings in a row, over a period of little more than a year, the European Central Bank embarked on the most ambitious rate hiking cycle in its existence. This week it opted to take a break. Most analysts speculate that the bank is done hiking rates. And some believe rate cuts are coming.

Business • 29 Oct 23

The average increase of 4.4% in 2023 was slightly higher than the 3.8% rise forecast this time last year

Four in five firms plan pay increases next year

Around four in five businesses are planning on increasing pay for employees in 2024, with an average pay rise of 3.8%.

Business • 25 Oct 23