Business Today: German diesel scandal continues apace

Irish consumers face diesel tax hikes in budget

Chief mechanic Ueli Portmann loads a software update into a Volkswagen  Amarok. Photograph: EPA
Chief mechanic Ueli Portmann loads a software update into a Volkswagen Amarok. Photograph: EPA

The scandal over diesel emissions continues apace with the German auto industry trying to save face with a promise of engine software updates. Derek Scally reports from astage-managed summit between the car executives and politicians, which failed to quell opposition outcry. Fiach Kelly and Conor Pope report on what it might all mean for Irish motorists on the ground.

Tax returns in July were again a bit behind target and as Cantillon outlines, if Leo Varadkar and Paschal Donohoe want to do anything significant in the budget they will have to find new revenue - either by increasing some taxes or charges, or by cutting spending programmes. Given the current tightrope act in the Dail, every yard in that battle will be hard fought.

Irish writers, sculptors and painters saw their earnings increase in 2015, as the amount of tax relief claimed under the artists' exemption scheme almost doubled to €10.8 million. Fiona Reddan reports on what the figures reveal about the state of incomes in the arts sector.

In technology and Innovation, Marie Boran reports on the growing problem of internet addiction and asks if we are valuing virtual over reality, while in Innovation we consider whether 3D printing could solve the organ transplant shortage.

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Finally in her Net Results column, Karlin Lillington looks back on the online reporting of the death of Princess Diana, marking it as a key moment in the transformation of the modern media.

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Michael McAleer
Assistant Business Editor

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer

Michael McAleer is Motoring Editor, Innovation Editor and an Assistant Business Editor at The Irish Times