GOOD MORNING.

Here’s all the news you need to start the day.

Rent

1. The cost of renting has soared amid the government’s new rent rules, seeing its largest increase in almost a quarter of a century, according to a new report. Prices are rising fast, with rents hiked by as much between December and March (4.4%) as they were over the whole of 2025, as outlined by property website Daft.

RTÉ payments

2. RTÉ executives will face fresh scrutiny before the Oireachtas media committee this afternoon, as it grapples with another controversy over presenter payments and transparency. The two-hour committee session is expected to focus on whether RTÉ has learned lessons from previous governance failures, as well as efforts to rebuild public trust in the broadcaster.

Drug treatment

3. Treatment demand for crack cocaine increased by 31% last year, according to the Health Research Board (HRB). The HRB released its annual report on drug treatment demand in Ireland and found that 15,422 cases were treated for problem drug use last year. Cocaine remains the most common drug treated after alcohol, at 42% of all treatment cases.

Evictions

4. A heated Dáil debate last night saw the government accused of causing the highest number of evictions since the Famine, as opposition parties sought to highlight the impact a reform of rental legislation has had on renters. Sinn Féin brought a motion that sought to introduce emergency bans on both rent increases and no-fault evictions.

Byelections 

5. With polling day on Friday, candidates across the two byelection constituencies have spent a combined €252,294 on their campaigns, on everything from posters and car wraps to bus shelter ads. Spending returns show that the Galway West candidates collectively spent €139,989 compared to €112,305 across Dublin Central.

EU-US trade

6. EU lawmakers and member states reached a deal in the early hours of this morning to implement the bloc’s nearly year-old trade pact with the US, with Trump threatening new tariffs unless it is done by 4 July. The deal will mean a majority of European goods exported to the US will have tariffs of 15% imposed, and levies on most US imports will be scrapped in return.

Ires Reit

7. Ireland’s biggest landlord, Ires Reit, has turned down an invitation from TDs to answer questions over the manner in which it charged renters extra fees for use of common areas in apartment complexes. Senior management at Ires Reit have told the Oireachtas Housing Committee that they are “exceptionally busy” this summer.

Premier League

8. Arsenal have been crowned Premier League champions for the first time in 22 years after Manchester City failed to beat Bournemouth last night. Pep Guardiola’s side needed to beat Bournemouth to send the title race to the final day this weekend, but a 1-1 draw ensured the Gunners can celebrate a few days early.