Irish Times Inside Business

On Wednesday morning, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council issued its pre-budget submission, saying the Government’s plans, as outlined in the Summer Economic Statement, are at the limit of what is prudent. In this episode, Cliff Taylor is joined by Ifac’s chief economist Eddie Casey and Kevin McLoughlin, head of tax at EY Ireland, to discuss what’s likely to be included in next month’s budget package and the role tax might play in balancing the books. They also discuss OECD global tax reform and the impact it will have on this country.

Former Virgin Media Television head Pat Kiely talks to Laura Slattery about his new venture BiggerStage, a television production company that has partnered with US giant Fox to create a talent show format called The Big Deal. The Irish version of The Big Deal is airing now on Virgin. Pat talks about his ambition to put more Irish talent on-screen and develop "non-scripted" formats with global appeal.

This week the Government announced further reopening plans which include a phased return to the workplace from September 20th. Joining Ciaran to discuss the working options for employees and the challenges faced by employers is Cliff Taylor of the Irish Times, Emma Scott, People Partner at PwC Ireland and Mary Connaughton, Director of CIPD Ireland

In this episode Ciarán talks to Ciarán Medlar and Cian O'Sullivan from professional services firm BDO, about its sports advisory unit which helps elite sports people and entertainers with their tax planning. Medlar is BDO's Partner in charge of Taxation Services and also chairman of Shamrock Rovers football club. O'Sullivan meanwhile is Director in the Private Client Tax team at BDO, but is probably better known for his GAA career as an All Ireland winning Dublin footballer.

It's one of the last industries to remain almost totally shuttered by the pandemic. But those working in live music are still waiting to see a plan for the reopening of the sector, even as thousands attend concerts taking place in Northern Ireland and further afield.

Promoters here are begging Minister for Culture Catherine Martin to announce a roadmap for live music to return.

Shane Dunne, a concert promoter and festival organiser, returns to the podcast to tell Ciaran about the plight of the live music industry and how there may not be much of an infrastructure for live events left when we need it.

The latest trade figures from the Central Statistics Office highlight the disruption brought about by Brexit at the beginning of the year.

Imports from Britain fell by 32 per cent or €2.5 billion in the first six months of this year, according to the data published on Monday.

Meanwhile, the level of imports from Northern Ireland rose by €776 million, indicating that Irish buyers and British suppliers are increasingly using the North as a means of getting goods into the Republic.

Ciaran talks to Stephen Kelly of Manufacturers Northern Ireland about the significance of the figures and whether the controversial Northern Ireland protocol is bedding in.

Why are rents rising by double-digit figures in rural Ireland?

That figure, revealed in a daft.ie report released this week, reflects an “unprecedented scarcity” of homes to rent across the country, according to the report's authors.

But is there more to it than a lack of supply?

With rents in Dublin often reaching €2000 per month, is affordable rent likely to come even with increased supply?

And why are landlords exiting the rental market?

Ciaran talks to Marian Finnegan, Chief Economist and Director of Research with Sherry Fitzgerald, and reporter Eoin Burke-Kennedy about all things housing.

Fiona Dawson joined the Mars Graduate Scheme in 1988 straight from Trinity College in Dublin. Since then, she has worked her way through various management and leadership positions before taking on her final role as Global President of Mars Food, Multisales and Global Customers. This month, after more than three decades with the company, Dawson has taken early retirement at just 55 years of age and is looking forward to the next chapter. In this episode, Dawson speaks to Ciaran Hancock about her career progression within Mars, what makes a good leader and how she dealt with the challenges and crises that came along the way.

In a post-pandemic world and with climate on the agenda, will Dublin Airport ever again reach the heights of the 33 million passengers that passed through it back in 2019?

Dublin Airport Authority CEO Dalton Philips returns to the podcast to tell Ciaran how the industry is faring as passenger volumes begin to increase after a disruptive 18 months.

Dalton says he is confident in the recovery of passenger numbers, but warns of the impact of changing travel patterns and calls for ministers and state agencies to push for the return of global airlines to Ireland.

Produced in association with EY.

This week, restrictions on non-essential international travel have eased, bringing new hope to the aviation and tourism industries. Those who are fully vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 in the last six months, or who present a negative Covid-19 test can now travel more freely within the European Union, as well as to Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. Ciaran Hancock is joined by Irish Times reporter Barry O’Halloran and CEO of ITIC Eoghan O’Mara Walsh to discuss what this means for the hospitality and travel sectors, how the digital Covid certificate scheme will work and the future of transatlantic connectivity.

Today the European Union revealed the details of its “Fit for 55”, a package of toughened climate laws designed to help hit the target of reducing emissions by 55% by 2030.

But what does it contain, does it go far enough to hit the target, and what will it mean for business and consumers? Environment editor Kevin O Sullivan and Europe correspondent Naomi O’Leary report.

A Central Bank paper on long-term debt has revealed that over-60s make up a quarter of all those in mortgage arrears.

This vulnerable group, often with limited ability to escape debt due to their age, should be offered new ways to manage their debt, says the bank.

Markets correspondent Joe Brennan explains what the Central Bank has said, and Rachel McGovern, Director of Financial Service for Mortgage Brokers Ireland, says our approach to those in arrears has stored up problems and needs a rethink.