Newsroom Ready: PM Carney meets EU President in Rome ahead of Pope's inaugural mass
While in Rome to attend the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV, Prime Minister Mark Carney met with numerous world leaders, including European Union President Ursula von der Leyen. The two leaders spoke of their partnership on areas of artificial intelligence, clean energy and minerals as well as Canada's support of Ukraine. (May 17, 2025)
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Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Alcohol consumption in Ireland falls by almost 5% in a year
Alcohol consumption among adults in Ireland has fallen by almost 5 per cent in the last year, new figures show. A report by economist Anthony Foley found that average alcohol consumption per adult fell by 4.5 per cent last year, to 9.49 litres of pure alcohol. The data is consistent with a downward trend recorded over the last 25 years. The fall represents a drop of more than one-third (34.3 per cent) since 2001. Total consumption in Ireland fell by 2.4 per cent last year to 41.5 million litres, which equates to an overall 4.5 per cent drop in alcohol intake per person when last year's 2.3 per cent increase in the population is taken into account. The report indicates that consumption tastes are also evolving. Beer was Ireland's most popular alcohol last year, with its market share increasing by 0.4% to 43.3% despite an overall drop in beer consumption. Wine was the second-most popular drink, increasing its market share by 0.1% to 28.2% in 2024. Its popularity has increased significantly since 2000 (13.2%). Meanwhile, spirits fell by 0.4% to 22.3% and cider fell by 0.1% to 6.1%. The report was commissioned by the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (Digi), which said the figures demonstrated that Irish people are increasingly drinking alcohol in moderation. It follows other recent data which suggests that alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels. OECD data for 2022 revealed that Irish consumption ranks behind countries including France, Spain and Austria, and a separate report by the Health Research Board last year also indicated that Ireland's alcohol consumption was at average levels by EU or OECD standards. Donall O'Keefe, the secretary of Digi and chief executive of the Licensed Vintners Association, said the findings are reflective of a trend over the last 25 years. He has also called on Government to cut excise rates. 'Today's figures offer clear proof of what many of us already know – Irish people are increasingly drinking in a restrained manner, with consumption continuing the downward trajectory that has been recorded since the millennium,' he said. 'In contrast to the negative stereotypes that once existed, alcohol consumption in Ireland is now at average European levels, with the purchase of non-alcoholic drinks continuing to increase. 'This downward trend also raises the obvious question as to why Ireland continues to have the second-highest excise rates on alcohol in Europe. 'Given that we now consume alcohol at average European levels it makes sense that we should pay excise at average European levels also. 'This is particularly true following the introduction of minimum unit pricing which prevents the sale of strong alcohol at low prices in supermarkets and shops. 'Across Ireland, hundreds of small rural pubs and restaurants are struggling for survival due to repeated increases in the cost of doing businesses, including staff, energy and insurance. 'A cut in excise would offer these businesses an opportunity to continue acting as vital hubs in their communities, as well as a crucial part of our tourism product.' 'Digi will be seeking a 10% cut in excise in this year's budget as an urgent measure to give these businesses a fighting chance of survival.' The Digi report was compiled by Prof Foley, associate professor emeritus at Dublin City University, using data from the CSO population and migration estimates for April 2024 and the Revenue Commissioners' alcohol clearances data.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Prime Minister to visit Canada for trade and security talks
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will travel to Canada later this week to meet Mark Carney for talks on security and economic partnerships. The Times reported that the pair will meet on June 14, ahead of the G7 leaders' summit in Alberta, against the backdrop of growing concerns about Donald Trump's trade war against its northern neighbour and repeated threats to annex Canada. Mr Trump has repeatedly suggested turning Canada into its 51st state and imposed tariffs that led to retaliation from Ottawa. The Canadian prime minister made the trip to Washington DC last month in a bid to ease tensions, but was dealt a blow last week when the US president doubled tariffs on steel imports. Only the UK was spared from the White House's tariff hike, thanks to a deal struck between the two countries. Levies will remain at 25% for imports from the UK, however Britain could still be subject to the higher 50% rate from July. Sir Keir Starmer's trade pact with the US, struck last month, included relief on the steel and aluminium tariffs, but the implementation is yet to be finalised. The Prime Minister's trip follows a royal visit by the King, who warned Canada is facing a 'critical moment' in its history, with the world a 'more dangerous and uncertain place' in a speech to open the nation's parliament. Charles delivered an address written by the Canadian government that said Mr Carney's administration would bond with 'reliable trading partners and allies', a move that follows Mr Trump's economic tactics. Many Canadians have seen the King's two-day visit to Ottawa as a symbol of support for the nation that has faced the unwanted attention of Mr Trump. Charles told the parliament 'self-determination' was among a number of values Canada held dear and the government was 'determined to protect'.
Bloomberg
an hour ago
- Bloomberg
UK Finance Leads in Foreign Investment Yet Deals Fall Across Europe, EY Says
The UK's finance industry kept its lead over the rest of Europe in attracting foreign investment last year, although activity across the region slowed, according to professional services firm EY. The country attracted foreign investment for 73 finance projects last year, down by 32% on the prior year, while in second-place Germany, deal volumes fell 16% to 32. Throughout Europe, volumes fell 11%, EY found.
