VHI faces illegal state aid investigation in Brussels Seen & Heard: FBD paying publicans, Brexit supply gaps and Facebook lobbies Varadkar
Sun, Jan 10, 2021, 13:39
European Commission is investigating a complaint that Ireland gives illegal state aid to health insurer, VHI.
The European Commission is investigating a complaint that Ireland gives illegal state aid to health insurer, VHI, writes the Sunday Times. The VHI is the main beneficiary of the €760 million subsidy risk equalisation scheme that compensates insurers with a disproportionately large share of older and sicker customers.
Insurer FBD has started making redress payments to publicans it acknowledges were misled by representations the company made to them at the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Business Post reports. A ruling in a test case on the lengthy battle between the insurer and publicans over the terms of business interruption cover is due this week but might be delayed.
Irish companies are bracing themselves for delays in deliveries, product shortages and increased costs as Brexit-related trade issues begin to emerge.
A steep fall in freight volumes in recent weeks - as well as a move by Revenue to temporarily waive some red-tape requirements - meant that problems with the new Brexit customs regime had not led to wide scale traffic disruption at ports last week.
But, the Sunday Independent has spoken to several exporting firms, retailers and industry representatives who said they were already seeing signs of problems and have concerns these may worsen as trading volumes return to normal levels. Food retailers have noted issues relating to some products, which may lead to short-term delays and increased consumer costs.
St Martin s Christmas nativity was shown online this year.
- Credit: St Martin s Primary School
A Worle primary school enjoyed nativity performances with a difference this year.
Despite not being able to perform the usual Christmas nativities and productions at St Martin s Primary School, staff were creative and produced virtual versions in their individual year group bubbles across the school.
St Martin s Christmas nativity was shown online this year.
- Credit: St Martin s Primary School
The plays were then uploaded online and shared with parents. Reception and year one classes put together their nativities, which were pre-recorded with children performing their individual speaking parts.