Budget day arrives, private health insurance numbers rise and navigating #MoneyTok

Budget day has finally arrived. We start with Cliff Taylor’s report that two new longer-term funds are to be announced as part of the budget by Minister for Finance Michael McGrath, including one to support future State investment and a second to be invested for the long term, with the State finances benefiting from the interest earned.

Staying with the budget, Davy Stockbrokers has called on the Government to streamline taxes on financial investments to boost portfolio diversity and cut risks when it unveils the budget today. Barry O’Halloran has the details.

Cantillon meanwhile looks at the pitfalls of the tailored mortgage reliefs expected to be announced today.

Needless to say, when it comes to Budget 2024, The Irish Times will have it all covered. You can find the full details of what to expect from us here.

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Extend EV grant to second-hand purchases, says PwC

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Card data suggests it’s not all doom and gloom in the hospitality sector

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Latest euro zone inflation figures suggest ECB will move slowly on rates

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Away from Budget 2024, a doctor has lost an appeal over an €86,000 tax bill to the Tax Appeals Commission. Gordon Deegan has the details.

Cantillon also assesses the near collapse of Metro Bank in the UK – do we need to worry about it?

The number of people with private health insurance continues to rise despite the enduring cost-of-living crisis and increasing premium prices, according to the industry watchdog’s annual report. Conor Pope reports.

Ryanair and Aer Lingus will participate in a High Court challenge to a notice directing the operator of Dublin Airport to restrict night-time flights to a maximum of 65 per night. Ellen O’Riordan was in court.

Investment in commercial property and development land in the Republic has fallen sharply this year with 2023 expected to be one of the weakest years on record in both markets, according to Sherry Fitzgerald. Ian Curran reports.

Irish Rail will reduce reliance on diesel and shift to electric trains in an attempt to slash greenhouse gas emissions by more than 71,000 tonnes a year, the State rail company said. Barry has the story.

Building materials company Kingspan has established a new accelerator backed by a €20 million venture fund to drive digital innovation in the construction industry. Ciara O’Brien reports.

In Your Money, Dominic Coyle answers a question on how to trade shares in US companies – something that become more relevant now that CRH has shifted its listing to New York.

There are plenty of people doling out investment advice at the best of times. But how seriously should you take their advice? Fiona Reddan unpacks the world of #MoneyTok.

Finally, in Me & My Money, Eavanna Breen, founder of Eavanna Breen Beauty and Laser Clinic, tells Tony Clayton-Lea if she’s a saver or a spender.

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