Brainstorm | Opinion, Analysis, Reports, Features

'This all points to tough choices ahead for governments and central banks'. Photo: Getty Images

7 likely consequences from the current banking crisis

The issues in the banking sector may well have knock-on effects on the wider economy

'One of the main reasons for increased hospital capacity requirements is that Ireland's population is growing and ageing more quickly than those in many other European countries'. Photo: Getty Images

Can the annual hospital overcrowding crisis be fixed?

There are huge challenges involved in correcting the imbalance between supply of and demand for healthcare services in Ireland

Health • 12 Jan 23

'Motorists will not always see a price cut at the pumps straight away during periods of falling wholesale petrol and diesel prices'

Why haven't petrol prices fallen in line with oil prices?

While global oil prices have dropped, a worldwide shortage of refinery capacity means prices at the pumps haven't fallen accordingly

Petrol Prices • 08 Dec 22

Manchester United released a statement indicating that the Glazer family who are majority owners of the club said they will "consider all strategic alternatives" including a sale Photo: Getty Images

Is it a good idea to buy a soccer club?

In a highly unusual situation, two of the world's biggest soccer clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, might be up for sale. Why is that?

Soccer • 29 Nov 22

As it stands the question may be 'who is sharing with whom'? Photo: Getty Images

Does the feel-good hype of gig economy sound better than it is?

The PR spin belies a predatory business model, designed for bourgeois bohemians and funded by venture capitalists

Business • 11 Nov 22

An employee at Vkusno & Tochka, the new chain which has taken over McDonald's restaurants in Russia after the fast food giant left the country. Photo: Kirill Kudryavtsev/AFP via Getty Images

Are sanctions against Russia working?

We can only assess if sanctions work if we are clear about what their purpose is

Economics • 02 Nov 22

"An issue for this budget is whether to subsidise clean activities and innovations, or continue to rely on the 'stick' of making business pay for emissions through taxes" Photo: Getty Images

What will inflation mean for Irish energy and climate policies?

To tax or to subsidise, that is the question when it comes to protecting Ireland's climate and future energy security

Budget 2023 • 23 Sep 22

'A wealth tax is an annual tax based on the value of some or all assets owned by a person or household.'

Is a wealth tax a good idea?

Wealth inequality has been rising in recent years, but questions surround the effectiveness of a pure wealth tax to address this

Economics • 20 Sep 22

Plugged in: around 46% of Ireland's electricity demand last year was met by gas fired generators

Why gas and electricity prices in Ireland are so closely linked

It all comes down to how electricity is generated in Ireland and how electricity markets operate

Energy • 28 Jul 22

10 companies paid corporation tax of over €8bn in 2021, which was 53% of net receipts

Is Ireland too dependant on corporation tax?

While corporation tax returns have surged in recent years, there are several risks associated with depending on this windfall

Economics • 02 Aug 22

'It is clear that Ireland has been, and is, an expensive place to live'

Why are prices in Ireland so high?

Ireland's high prices are not a recent phenomenon and they've become relatively more expensive than the EU average year after year

Economics • 19 Jul 22

The dollar has been rising for both economic and geopolitical reasons

5 ways a strong US dollar could hurt the world economy

A strong US dollar is a response to troubled times and changes in its value have implications for the entire global economy

Economics • 11 Jul 22

Russian president Vladimir Putin whose invasion of Ukraine triggered the rouble's slump

Why is Russia's rouble now stronger than before the Ukraine war?

The Russian currency has rebounded from its all-time low after it invaded Ukraine in February despite economic sanctions

Russia • 16 Jun 22

The most common reasons for vacant properties were for sale, vacant long-term, rental property or owner deceased.

Is it time to tax the thousands of vacant houses in Ireland?

Canada's experience may give some pointers as how to deal with the huge stock of unoccupied dwellings here

Housing • 15 Jun 22

Is the writing on the wall for gig economy companies? Photo: Mike Dotta/Shutterstock

Will the gig economy survive the cost of living crisis?

The value of companies like Uber, Just Eat and Deliveroo has slumped and the current economic crisis will amplify this

Cost of Living • 30 Aug 22

The breadbasket of Europe: Ukraine is an important source of grain for human and animal consumption worldwide

What lessons can history teach us about food security?

How we deal with the current global challenge to food security will show how well equipped we are to tackle future catastrophes

Food security • 09 Jun 22

What will be in the next Consumer Price Index shopping trolley?

What goes in & out of our shopping baskets to measure inflation?

There have been massive changes over the years in the goods used by the Consumer Price Index to calculate inflation

Inflation • 10 Mar 22

'European banks are the most exposed financial institutions to Russia's new sanctions, specifically those in Austria, France and Italy.'

Could the Ukraine invasion spark a global financial crisis?

The ripple effects of this war on the global economy are potentially enormous and will become apparent in the coming days and weeks

Economics • 07 Mar 22

'Much debate is now turning to the concern that many people are simply not paid enough to live'. Photo: Getty Images

Is the living wage an answer to increased costs of living?

Momentum is building for a real living wage to help Irish low paid workers deal with higher energy, transport and housing costs

Living Wage • 07 Feb 22

'The 'housing for all' framework is on the right track, but tweaking around the edges won't cut it'

Will increased housing supply solve the affordability problem?

Government policies are simply not at the radical scale required to reduce costs and prices enough to eliminate the affordability gap

Housing • 02 Feb 22

'The minimum price is the same at a fine wine retailer, an off-licence, a high-end food store, discount price supermarket, a bar or a restaurant.'

Why minimum pricing for alcohol won't reduce harmful drinking

This economic policy will end up raising extra revenue for the alcohol industry rather than addressing consumption or addiction

Ireland • 07 Jan 22

"The growing interest in a basic income lies in the threat posed to work and the workforce by a rising and sustained move towards automation and artificial intelligence"

All you need to know about basic income

There's a lot of talk at present around basic incomes so is it time to introduce the concept to Ireland?

Basic income • 06 Dec 21

'The large jump in Ireland's gross savings ratio in 2020 was driven by stable disposable incomes and a decline in consumption'

How Irish people ended up with savings of €135 billion

Will the record amount of money on deposit in Irish banks give a post-pandemic boost to businesses and the domestic economy?

Economics • 15 Nov 21

'Video games are not solely a leisure form but also a significant cultural form and an industry with huge potential.' Photo: Element5 Digital/Unsplash

Why a tax credit is a big win for the Irish digital games sector

While it didn't receive as much attention as other cultural supports, this initiative will be a significant bonus for games developers

Gaming • 20 Oct 21

"There are opportunities for reform to improve equity and to support the efficient operation of the housing market for the benefit of the general public."

How local property tax reform could have positive social effects

A simple change to the LPT system could alleviate a number of problematic issues and generate benefits for tax payers

Ireland • 11 Oct 21