Growing economy
The Irish economy is to continue to grow in 2022 despite forecasts that inflation will average at 7.1 per cent in 2022, according to a report by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).
The report states Ireland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will grow by 6.8 per cent this year – largely driven by a strong export sector.
The ESRI also expect an unemployment rate of 4 per cent for 2023.
Population data
The population of the Republic of Ireland is over 5 million for the first time since 1841.
The latest Census data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) shows the State's population on April 3rd, 2022 hit 5,123,536.
This equates to an increase of 7.6 per cent from Census 2016, with population growth noted in all counties.
AIB fine
AIB has been fined over €83 million for its role in the tracker mortgage scandal.
The banking group apologised for the distress and financial losses suffered by customers and described the matter as a “very large stain on the reputation of the bank”.
The Central Bank of Ireland announced AIB has been fined €83.3 million on Thursday morning. EBS, which AIB acquired in 2011, has been fined €13.4 million.
Leaving Cert results
The State Examinations Commission (SEC) has confirmed it will issue this year's Leaving Certificate results on Friday, September 2nd.
The exams began on Wednesday, June 8th and are due to finish next Tuesday (June 28th).
This year's inclusion of additional sittings of the exams for students impacted by bereavement or illness, as well as a shortage of examiners, and the Minister for Education's commitment that results will not be lower than last year, has delayed the final issuing of results.
