Good morning colleagues,

The Irish Times front page reports that "EU negotiators are moving towards accepting US import tariffs of 15% as the price of a deal in ongoing trade talks with Washington." That sentence may not mean anything by the afternoon, but that's the current scenario.

The paper also reports that the Government is likely to delay the VAT cut for the hospitality industry until the middle of next year, "creating more room for tax cuts in Budget 2026." Yesterday the ICTU issued a statement describing the planned VAT cut (which will eat two thirds of the available budgetary funds for tax cut measures) as “economic vandalism.” 

While not fully endorsing the Ictu view, the Irish Examiner's editorial nevertheless cites the union view, highlighting that Ireland is the second-most-expensive country in Europe for food. It says "Food price increases have been double the rate of inflation, which itself is no small obstacle to families struggling to stay afloat," and argues that food price cuts "should be on the table" in Budget 2026.

Following yesterday's report that AIB is arbitrarily pulling staff in for more office-based working days, the staff give their reaction. 

Elsewhere, Fórsa School Secretaries branch secretary, Noreen O’Callaghan, provides an update on the planned indefinite strike action next month the Avondhu newspaper (North East Cork, West Waterford, South Limerick and South Tipp).

Meanwhile, Hot Press magazine reports that GAA Palestine have been visited by members of the Dublin hurling team. The Hot Press coverage includes a photo of Ahmed, a hurler with GAA Palestine, sporting his new Fórsa-sponsored custom kit. 

Finally, RTÉ reports that the WRC has published a new strategy statement with a target of increasing accessibility to its services. 

Today's Zen is prompted by Derek Scally's reflections on a current exhibition of photographs in Dublin. What does it mean to know? by Ethna Rose O’Regan continues until 9th August at The LAB Gallery in Foley Street. 

Have a great day.

NS