Provide for tax changes on ad hoc investment vehicles

The government will implement tax changes on special purpose investment vehicles used by real estate groups regardless of their inception date, according to the Sunday Business Post. The newspaper says this is happening despite intense lobbying by real estate funds in recent weeks to ensure that any changes will only apply to companies established after the reforms were introduced. Ahead of the publication of the finance bill on Thursday, the newspaper reports that the finance ministry is now considering a two-stage bill, with more complex measures – such as a tax reform on these structures – to be implemented in a later date.

However, the Sunday Times reports that lobbying on the issue is continuing this weekend and the issue is expected to be addressed in this week’s bill.

Minister “fights for Ireland”

Employment and Enterprise Minister Mary Mitchell O’Connor was the subject of several talks over the weekend. The talks follow reports earlier this week that she had been heavily criticized for her record to date at a recent parliamentary party meeting. In the Sunday Independent, Ms. Mitchell O’Connor rejected reports that “tapes were taken from her”. She said the meeting was “difficult” but that she “was fighting for Ireland”.

In the Sunday Business Post interview, she expresses her disappointment that there were no measures in the budget to encourage emigrants to return. She also responds to criticism of the lack of budget measures to support businesses. “We were actually quite happy to have got a few wins, but we also have the commitment from the (finance) minister that we will go further in the next budget,” she said. “I’m a realist: you don’t always get what you want. The document reports that the minister will be visiting Silicon Valley in the coming weeks as part of her first IDA trade mission. She will meet with senior executives from technology companies, including Apple and Facebook.

Jordan Hewson activates the “action button”

A tech company, started by an Irish woman to promote social activism, has secured funding of $ 2 million. Tech company Speakable was started last year by Jordan Hewson, daughter of U2 singer Bono and businesswoman Ali Hewson. The Sunday Times and the Sunday Business Post both report on the company, which has developed an “action button,” which can be integrated with digital content to make it easier for readers to tackle issues in a story. This can be done by donating to a selected NGO related to the issue concerned, or by signing a petition or tweeting a relevant policy maker.

Zappone excludes “cash benefits”

In an interview with the Sunday Independent, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone said she would not give a “cash benefit” to family members who provide childcare for busy parents in the future. budgets. It also excludes any direct payment to stay-at-home mothers. His position is at odds with fellow Cabinet Minister Shane Ross, who the newspaper said insisted both groups be rewarded in the next budget.

Renewable Energy Fund Launches Massive Sale

A Canadian renewable energy fund, which bought the assets of the Bord Gáis wind farm two years ago, has started a process of selling a large part of its Irish portfolio, according to the Sunday Independent. The document says the assets of the fund’s Irish wind farm are estimated to be worth € 1 billion. These were bought at the time for 700 million euros. The particular assets it is now seeking to sell include two wind farms in Munster. The newspaper says there are 30 to 40 stakeholder groups, especially British, Canadian and European pension funds. Brookfield declined to comment for the newspaper.

Blooms Hotel Owner Presents Central Bank Offer

Dublin pub owner Oliver St John Gogarty and the nearby Blooms Hotel are preparing a bid for two city center buildings sold by the Central Bank of Ireland, reports the Sunday Times. Martin Keane is reportedly set to bid for 6-8 College Green, on the market for 14 million euros, and 9 College Green, on the market for 2 million euros. The properties are separate from the € 65 million sale of the main Central Bank building and two related office buildings.

William Hill to continue Amaya talks

Bookmaker William Hill plans to continue talks about a multibillion-pound merger with Canadian online poker giant Amaya, in defiance of opposition from its largest shareholder. Parvus Asset Management, an activist investor who is used to blocking large acquisitions, holds 14.3% of the bookmaker’s shares. The Sunday Telegraph reports that in an open letter, the hedge fund accused the company of pursuing a merger which had “limited strategic logic” and which “would destroy shareholder value.” William Hill claims that the combination of his sports betting business with the Canadian parent company of online casino PokerStars “would create a clear international leader in online sports betting, poker and casino”.

McCauley Pharmacies May Consider Joining ISE

Irish drugstore chain McCauley Pharmacies is poised to bring in a new equity investor and may consider listing on the Irish Stock Exchange as it implements its expansion plans. In an interview with the Sunday Independent, the executive chairman of the 30-store chain, Sam McCauley, said: “I see no reason why an Irish pharmaceutical group could not occupy the same position as Musgraves or Dunnes in the grocery store. Marlet.”