The ESRI this week has warned inflation will rise to 3.2% while criticising Government measures, and said the Iran crisis could have lasting impact on prices, while criticising untargeted measures to help with fuel costs.
All of this matters of course, as Irish consumers are now "more gloomy now about their economic prospects and those of the broader economy than at any point since 2023." In this week's IRN, Andy Prendergast writes that the USA/Israel war on Iran "is shifting inflation projections, compounding affordability issues, which will in turn add pressure to pay negotiations this year – with public service talks around the corner."
The Road Safety Authority has had to step up its efforts to inform customers of new requirements on proof of insurance following a spike in cancellations last week. It's widely reported that around 1,200, or 11% of tests were cancelled last week.
The new rules were introduced following the recent dispute with Fórsa's driver tester members, who highlighted the need for validating insurance prior to a test. The union continues to work with RSA management on implementing the new protocols, while the rate of cancellation has reduced this week, following agreement on the provision of digital insurance certification. More in that in the Services and Enterprises bulletin, which publishes later this morning.
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