Adhering to the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport will cost the Irish economy half a billion euros in tourism revenue in 2025, warned DAA chief Kenny Jacobs, reports the Sunday Business Post. The airport operator’s chief executive also suggested that the cap could put up to 1,000 jobs in the aviation industry at risk next year.

Mr Jacobs said such a restriction would have a “significant impact” on tourism spending in Ireland, with one million fewer passengers expected to use the airport next year. He said around 300,000 of these would be tourists, spending an average of €1,750, and as a result the drop in passenger numbers in 2025 would deprive the economy of more than €500 million in tourism spending.

Tax relief and business support

Abolishing the USC surcharge for the self-employed, cutting capital gains tax and reinstating a full-fledged defence minister are among the options Fine Gael is considering for its upcoming election manifesto, the Sunday Business Post reported.

A leaked copy of an internal circular to candidates and party members, seen by this newspaper, shows that Prime Minister Simon Harris’ party is trying to isolate its base in 21 key policy areas, while speculating that a new election could be held by November 15 at the latest.

It is clear from the document that the party is trying to position itself as a business-friendly, low-tax party on the side of aspiring homeowners.

On Sunday, Harris was due to declare at the annual memorial service at Béal na Bláth in Cork that the proceeds from the sale of shares in the banks bailed out by the Irish public during the crisis should go towards housing.

Fine Gael’s document, which sought feedback from MPs, senators and party activists, shows that the party is considering changes to housing, enterprise and infrastructure policies, with the main options proposed being an extension of the Help to Buy scheme, an increase in PRSI and a reduction in capital gains tax.

Companies use “free lunch” to boost office work

Employers are increasing the pressure on their employees to return to the office, with some even trying to lure their staff back to their desks with sushi and burritos, according to a report in the Sunday Independent.

According to new data, work-related food delivery services are seeing strong growth as companies try to make the office more attractive to their stay-at-home employees.

Celebrity restaurant Scott’s of London explores Dublin

One of the world’s most famous restaurants, Scott’s of Mayfair in London, is planning to open in Dublin, according to the Sunday Independent.

Representatives of the fine restaurant, which is adored by royalty, high rollers and A-list celebrities, have been secretly looking for prime locations in the city center to open the renowned seafood restaurant.

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested at French airport

Telegram CEO Pavel Durov was arrested by French police at an airport north of Paris, the BBC reports.

French media reported that Mr Durov was arrested after his private jet landed at Le Bourget airport.

According to authorities, the 39-year-old billionaire was arrested on a warrant for crimes related to the popular messaging app.

The investigation reportedly concerns a lack of moderators, with Mr Durov accused of failing to take steps to curb the criminal use of Telegram.