Irish Ferries and UK pay, mortgage approvals, and new insurance rules

Business Today: the best news, analysis and comment from The Irish Times business desk

British government plans to prevent ferry companies operating out of UK ports paying below the country’s minimum wage could have implications for Irish Ferries. Photograph: Niall Carson/PA Wire

British government plans to prevent ferry companies operating out of UK ports paying below the country's minimum wage could have implications for Irish Ferries, which is owned by listed company Irish Continental Group. Simon Carswell reports.

The number and value of mortgage approvals rose in February as the State's housing market continues to be driven by strong demand. Eoin Burke-Kennedy has the details on the latest market data from the Banking and Payments Federation Ireland.

The uncertainty created by the Covid-19 pandemic has made current generation family business owners less likely to relinquish control, and has made it more difficult for the next generation to establish themselves, according to a PwC report. Colin Gleeson reports.

In our personal finance feature, Fiona Reddan looks at the new rules around insurance premiums to prevent loyal customers being discriminated against, and explains how they will impact on policyholders.

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In Q&A, a reader looking to do ¤30,000 worth of home improvements wonders if they should top up their mortgage or take out a personal loan. Dominic Coyle offers some guidance.

An IMF blog on Monday outlined the impact of shipping costs on global inflation, writes Cantillon.

In her media and marketing column, Laura Slattery looks at the battle of the streamers at the Oscars, with Apple edging out Netflix.

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Ciarán Hancock

Ciarán Hancock

Ciarán Hancock is Business Editor of The Irish Times