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# budget12 - Thursday 16 February, 2012

Finance Bill

Dáil approves Finance Bill by 93 votes to 45

16/02/12 1,634 Views 13 Comments

TDs vote in favour of the last part of the 2012 Budget, though there is still time for amendments to be made to the Bill.

# budget12 - Saturday 17 December, 2011

Household Charge

New household charge could be docked from wages or welfare

17/12/11 6,889 Views 160 Comments

People who boycott the annual payment – including several TDs – could see it taken directly from their paychecks or benefits, the Government has confirmed.

# budget12 - Tuesday 13 December, 2011

Life After Budget

Your best post-Budget 2012 money-saving tips

13/12/11 5,612 Views 12 Comments

Over the weekend we asked you for your best tips on saving money over the coming year. Here’s a round-up of your top tips…

From Business ETC Growth

Ireland’s economic growth forecast to hit just 1 per cent next year

13/12/11 1,704 Views 19 Comments

Moody’s says that the fragility of the state’s economic recovery coupled with recent eurozone pressures mean growth won’t hit the govt target for 2012.

# budget12 - Sunday 11 December, 2011

Open Thread

Open thread: what are your best money-saving tips?

11/12/11 7,185 Views 86 Comments

Now that we know what’s in Budget 2012, we want you to share your best cash-scrimping advice with TheJournal.ie’s readers…

From Business ETC Opinion

Column: Of course we have recession fatigue – with added VAT

11/12/11 3,278 Views 29 Comments

Government ministers were falling over themselves in June to tell us that a VAT reduction for the hospitality sector would create jobs – so what do they reckon a VAT increase to 23 per cent elsewhere will do?

# budget12 - Saturday 10 December, 2011

Budget 2012

All community employment schemes under review, Minister confirms

10/12/11 3,343 Views 28 Comments

Joan Burton said that schemes which “provide value for money” do not have “anything to fear” from the review.

# budget12 - Thursday 8 December, 2011

From Business ETC Closures

140 companies closed in the last 7 days

08/12/11 6,201 Views 28 Comments

One of the dissolved businesses had been established just over 50 years ago…

Daily Fix This post contains videos

The Daily Fix: Thursday

08/12/11 3,089 Views 1 Comment

In tonight’s Fix: what have Sarkozy and Kenny been saying today; what does the interest rate cut mean for mortgage holders; and who has had some harsh words for Roy Keane?

From Business ETC NAMA

Banker who suggests future NAMA sell-off appointed as advisory group chair

08/12/11 1,929 Views 14 Comments

Michael Geoghegan is the former CEO of HSBC and will be the chair of the NAMA advisory group set up by the Minister for Finance earlier this week.

Budget 2012

Two senators nominated by Enda Kenny critical of Budget 2012

08/12/11 2,693 Views 8 Comments

Katherine Zappone has questioned ‘external pressure’ on the Government’s choice of cuts while Jillian van Turnhout says it was not a child-friendly document.

Budget 2012

TDs begin debating Budget 2012′s social welfare cuts

08/12/11 2,426 Views 11 Comments

The Social Welfare Bill 2011 will be voted on by TDs tomorrow – but former Labour TDs Penrose and Nulty have broken ranks again.

Mortgages

Explainer: Changes to mortgage interest relief

08/12/11 2,765 Views 11 Comments

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has introduced changes to the mortgage interest relief available to buyers and home owners as part of next year’s Budget – but what does it mean?

Budget 2012

Bishops urge government to abandon cuts to child benefit

08/12/11 1,315 Views 28 Comments

At their winter meeting, the Irish Bishops’ Conference welcomes the U-turn on disability benefit – but remain concerned.

# budget12 - Wednesday 7 December, 2011

Daily Fix

The Daily Fix: Wednesday

07/12/11 3,439 Views 9 Comments

In tonight’s fix: why the government is rowing back on one budget pledge already; toilet-based austerity; and Trapattoni lands another cat in the sack…

Budget 2012

Infographic of the day: Budget 2012

07/12/11 3,699 Views 6 Comments

The VAT increase, the Household Charge, cigarettes and alcohol – get all of the main points of Budget 2012 in two rather nifty infographics.

From Business ETC Budget 2012 This post contains images

Slideshow: Today’s Budget 2012 front pages

07/12/11 1,625 Views 1 Comment

From boosting the property market to fuel tax and VAT increases, check out what the front pages have to say about the Budget this morning.

Budget 2012

Government “will revisit” Budget cut to disability allowance

07/12/11 3,407 Views 53 Comments

Enda Kenny says the proposal to cut disability benefit for young people by up to €111 per week will be reviewed.

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: What’s already come into effect?

07/12/11 4,785 Views 13 Comments

We have a quick look at the measures approved by the Dáil last night, and check which ones have come into effect already.

Budget 2012 This post contains images

Winners and losers of Budget 2012: In pictures

07/12/11 4,474 Views 3 Comments

There was plenty at stake in the austere Budget presented by Brendan Howlin and Michael Noonan over the past two days. This slideshow will fill you in…

Your Say This post contains a poll

Poll: How do you feel after Budget 2012?

07/12/11 3,641 Views 78 Comments

Do you feel more down in the dumps after Budget 2012 – or do you feel more relieved than you expected to? Tell us in our sentiment poll this morning…

From Business ETC Opinion

Column: Here’s why the VAT increase won’t send people flocking North

07/12/11 6,976 Views 46 Comments

The VAT increase won’t lead to a repeat of 2008′s queues at the Border – but that doesn’t make it a good idea, writes Ronan Lyons.

# budget12 - Tuesday 6 December, 2011

Irony

‘Secret’ Anglo-Irish Treaty of 6 December 1921 now online

06/12/11 4,728 Views 35 Comments

Today, the buzzwords are financial sovereignty. Exactly 90 years ago today, this treaty led to bitter war over Irish sovereignty.

Budget 2012

Readers’ Panel: Full-time carer

06/12/11 1,154 Views No Comments

Ann Hughes had been concerned that Carer’s Allowance would be cut. The government left it alone – but there were other changes which will still affect her.

Budget 2012

Readers’ panel: Married with children

06/12/11 3,561 Views 17 Comments

John, a father of five, says he’ll be hit hard by road tax and the cut in child benefit – and says that not enough is being done to support entrepreneurs.

Budget 2012

Readers’ Panel: Student

06/12/11 1,912 Views 9 Comments

Budget 2012 has brought a €250 registration fee increase for third-level students, cut student grants by 3 per cent, and cut maintenance payments for new postgrad entrants.

Budget 2012

Readers’ Panel: Separated mother-of-four

06/12/11 2,566 Views 6 Comments

Budget 2012 has seen cuts to child benefit for third and fourth children, changes to motor tax, and changes to the Universal Social Charge.

Budget 2012 This post contains images

GALLERY: A day of Budget protests at Leinster House

06/12/11 2,372 Views 26 Comments

Various lobby and protest groups held demonstrations in Dublin today, to coincide with the Budget announcements. Here’s a sample.

Budget 2012

Readers’ panel: Small business owner

06/12/11 1,726 Views 5 Comments

Con Traas owns a small business in south Tipperary and is concerned about the effect of the rise in VAT rate.

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: Motor tax hike of 7.5 per cent for most vehicles

06/12/11 7,333 Views 26 Comments

Wondering how much your car will cost you next year? Read on for the full extent of tax and fuel hikes…

From Business ETC Budget 2012

Government admits defeat on upward-only rent reviews

06/12/11 3,247 Views 23 Comments

The government formally abandons legislation to abolish upward-only rent reviews, citing conflicts with the Constitution.

Open Thread

Let us know: What do you think of the Budget?

06/12/11 2,490 Views 82 Comments

So now that we’ve heard the entire Budget, what do you think? Was it better or worse than you’d expected?

Daily Fix

The Daily Fix: Tuesday

06/12/11 3,245 Views 1 Comment

In tonight’s Fix: All you need to know about Budget 2012; what the Taoiseach said about his former advisor’s pay rise; and why was the Bar Council’s website hacked?

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: What TheJournal.ie’s contributors are saying

06/12/11 1,931 Views 6 Comments

TheJournal.ie brings you contributions from a huge range of people. We asked some of them to give their opinions on the Budget – and here’s what they said…

Budget 2012

As it happened: Budget 2012 liveblog

06/12/11 14,170 Views 32 Comments

Join us for live video and text commentary, as Michael Noonan tells us how he plans to raise €1.6bn in extra taxes next year.

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: Who exactly has to pay the €100 Household Charge?

06/12/11 16,013 Views 152 Comments

The new Household Charge is one of the most controversial proposals in the Budget – but who exactly is going to have to pay the new €100 charge?

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: Criticism for ‘tokenistic’ 25c hike on pack of 20 cigarettes

06/12/11 4,596 Views 34 Comments

Budget 2012 will add an extra 25c to the price of a packet of 20 cigarettes, though alcohol excise is unchanged for now.

Budget 2012

Gallery: how Twitter reacted to day two of Budget 2012

06/12/11 1,862 Views 2 Comments

Here’s how the Twittersphere saw part two of the budget announcement…

From Business ETC Budget 2012

Budget 2012: Fuel tax increases ‘will affect almost all households and businesses’

06/12/11 3,825 Views 14 Comments

AA Roadwatch warns that fuel tax increases are going to take a toll on both business and families, particularly in rural areas.

Budget 2012

Budget 2012: Help for first-time buyers – but it ‘won’t solve real problems’

06/12/11 4,066 Views 5 Comments

Michael Noonan also confirmed the introduction of the widely expected €100 household charge.

1 2 3 4 5

referendum

fiscal compact

NTMA: No access to ESM would mean no access to markets either

Patricia McKenna and Thomas Pringle are both seeking a referendum on the ESM treaty.
Referendum
Large majority of voters in favour of referendum on ESM treaty
Opinion
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
The credit union: an Irish institution
Opinion
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
your questions
What do YOU want to know about the referendum?

Your say

View more polls
Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

Poll: Are you satisfied with your quality of life?

A NEW REPORT from the OECD has suggested people living in Ireland have some of the best lives in the world, with Ireland among the top countries in its Better Life Index.

The index finds that life expectancy, low pollution, positive experiences and a healthy work-life balance are among the factors that contribute to happy lives in Ireland.

It did note, however, that the gap between the rich and poor is wider in Ireland than elsewhere, while the gender gap in educational performance is also larger than average.

Today we’re simply wondering whether (assuming you live in Ireland) you’re satisfied with your quality of life.


Poll Results:





Read: How good is life in Ireland?


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Read Me

Selected opinions from around the web
David Hall
Column: The mortgage crisis is stoked by mistrust. Here’s how we might fix it.
By David Hall - @davidhall75

Aggressive banks are making mortgage resolution impossible, writes David Hall of New Beginning – and suggests a way to restore trust between lenders and borrowers.

Jim Clarken
Column: ‘Women are digging up anthills for the tiny grains inside’
By Jim Clarken

Children mine for gold in home-made pits, while parents risk their lives for food – Jim Clarken describes the harrowing scenes as a crisis unfolds in west Africa.

Michael Taft
Vote No: The Treaty will bring the EU together – in economic stagnation
By Michael Taft - @notesonthefront

Confidence and stability will be the last things to emerge from this dangerous experiment, writes Michael Taft.

Naoise Nunn
Vote Yes: EU funds are like our credit union. Let’s not go to the loan sharks.
By Naoise Nunn - @naoisen

A Yes to the Stability Treaty will give Ireland access to the ESM, writes Naoise Nunn – and keep us out of a potentially lethal game of chicken.

Seamus Breslin
Column: Parents bringing their children to be kneecapped. Yes, this is Ireland.
By Seamus Breslin

Self-styled republican vigilantes are terrorising a city, writes Seamus Breslin – and perceived neglect by authorities is fuelling the fire.

Mike Morris
Column: Another Priory Hall is coming down the tracks. Here’s why.
By Mike Morris - @nyderoleary

Phil Hogan is planning to introduce new regulations which are meant to make for better buildings. He’s making a major mistake, writes Mike Morris.

Jane Suiter
Column: Who are the winners and losers in the referendum campaign right now?
By Jane Suiter - @JaneSuit

With nine days to go before referendum day, Dr Jane Suiter of UCC analyses the parties and the latest polls to see how the campaign is playing out.

Micheál Martin
Column: Job creation is too important for party politics. Let’s work together.
By Micheál Martin

Writing for TheJournal.ie, Micheál Martin explains why Fianna Fáil’s new plan to tackle youth unemployment should be seriously considered.

Lisa McInerney
Column: National pride or bald-faced bigotry? Maybe neither, or both.
By Lisa McInerney - @SwearyLady

Being proud to be Irish is sometime looked on as a social gaffe, writes Lisa McInerney, but that’s not always fair… and it’s not always the best way to figure out who really is racist…

Lynn McDonald Byrne
Column: Some talk about the ‘magic’ of childbirth. To me, it was horrific.
By Lynn McDonald Byrne

For new mothers, the pressure can be so overwhelming it makes you ill. Lynn McDonald Byrne describes her experience of postnatal depression.

From BusinessEtc

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’ HP Ireland

HP Ireland: job losses will impact ‘every business and region’

Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Facebook
Shareholders file lawsuit over Facebook flotation
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home
Irish auction
Applause in auction room as woman buys back brother’s repossessed home

From The Daily Edge

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend Weather

Weatherwatch: temperatures over 20°C, sunshine staying for the weekend

VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Work Can Wait
VIDEO: Is this what you imagined when you read The Great Gatsby?
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Buds
Caption competition: What are Enda Kenny and David Cameron talking about?
Download the TheJournal.ie Android App

From The Score

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland Euro 2012

I’ll play it cool at the Euros, Mario Balotelli warns Ireland

Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Capital Account
Rushe: Dubs don’t have discipline problem
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title
Golf
Luke Donald craves maiden Major title

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News in Video

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