View this email in your browser Business Today Thursday, 23 July, 2026 Editor's Note Good morning, reader The Summer Economic Statement is a key marker on the way to October’s budget, and this time it shows Government spending on day-to-day services and new infrastructure will grow by €7 billion next year to €125.5 billion. Pat Leahy reports on the SES, while Cliff Taylor writes that the statement has set the stage for a big row within government on which department will get what. Is the artificial intelligence boom actually a bubble that can burst at any time? If it does burst, Ireland will inevitably be in the crosshairs. The Department of Finance has attempted to model at least part of the impact a US stock market correction would have on us here, and the results are not good. Peter Flanagan has the details. The Jevons paradox has been one of the best-known economic theories for more than 150 years, and it is key to understanding what’s next for AI. Emmet Ryan explains why. Continue Reading Peter Flanagan   TOP BUSINESS STORIES Business Núa Money nears €1bn of mortgages in two years of lending Business X launches fresh court challenges against Coimisiún na Meán Business Ireland faces lower employment and weaker growth if AI bubble bursts Business European shares hit two-week high on strong results Business DCU president was overpaid by more than €18,000 over four years Richard Cantillon OpenAI agent’s startling cyberhack MORE BUSINESS STORIES Business Samsung doubles down on folding phones and AI ahead of smart glasses launch Business Settlement terms agreed in dispute over running of Dublin hotel housing asylum seekers Business Wholesale electricity prices fell by 6.2% in June Business Novo Nordisk sues Eli Lilly over ‘deliberately false’ weight-loss drug ads Do you have questions about becoming an Irish Times subscriber, or about your subscription? You'll find handy guides in our FAQs, and you can manage many aspects of your subscription in the My Account section. Never miss a business story Subscribe now for just €1 for your first month SUBSCRIBE