The Office of Government Procurement (OGP) has been recognised with a certification in Ethical Procurement from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS). Emmet speaks to  Minister of State for Public Procurement, Emer Higgins. 

The rate at which Irish consumers increased their spending has jumped by 6.1% between January and December. There was a marked surge in spending on gym memberships as overindulgent consumers tried to reinvent themselves.  That’s the view of the latest Consumer spending trends from Bank of Ireland and to discuss the findings further was Conall Mac Coille the Chief Economist with Bank of Ireland. 

House building is rarely out of the news these days especially since the government fell so woefully short of its own completion targets last year. Evara is the largest privately owned home builder in Ireland and aims to build 1500 houses a year starting next year.  It’s also given itself a full rebrand to stress its deep roots and longevity. Joining Joe this morning was Michael Hynes is the chief executive of Evara formerly known as Quintain. 

Tuesday's business news headlines along with Newstalk's Business Editor Joe Lynam.

Financial services technology or Fintech has been with us for awhile and has transformed her many of us interact with Banks and new entities. We had never heard of it 15 years ago. But with the arrival of AI, is Fintech going to adapt and change things even quicker and even more substantially than before and what does it mean to the three pillar banks in Ireland? 

John O’Beirne is the new chair of the Fintech and Payments Association of Ireland and the CEO of Square. 

1914, 1939, 1989, 2001 all years that have proven to be pivotal in how the world works.  Is 2025 set to join that list?  Is the western alliance and trading system about to break up?  If so, does Europe look to trade more with China and India and less with its natural ally the US?  Also what will Europe do if America abandons Ukraine and imposes tariffs on its erstwhile allies.  

To discuss this and more with Joe was Mike O’Sullivan is the author of the Levelling which predicted the consequences of deglobalisation.  He’s also a Director of Unio wealth managers.

Monday's big business stories along with Joe Lynam and Russ Mould from AJ Bell.

Romance knows no boundaries they say but it can cost you your job in some countries just ask the former bosses of BP and McDonalds.  We’re not as strict in Ireland about office relationships but company bosses need to set some clear rule especially when one part of the new romance reports to the other. 

Joe discusses further with Mary Cullen is the Managing Director of Insight HR. 

There has definitely been a mood change among the big US technology companies since Donald Trump won the election last November.  Where they might have been accused of being ‘woke’ beforehand they certainly aren't now. . All of them appear to be dumping its diversity and inclusion policies.    

All to discussion with Newstalk Technology Correspondent Jess Kelly.

Friday's business news and markets updates along with Joe Lynam and Kate English from Deloitte.