The Week that was

Monday

■ INSURANCE companies are charging loyal customers up to 50pc more on motor and home insurance policies when they renew them. An Irish Independent investigation has uncovered evidence of a practice known as ‘dual pricing’, where new insurance customers are offered huge discounts for taking out a new policy.

Tuesday

■ TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar (above) stands accused of an “unforgivable” betrayal of the women caught up in the CervicalCheck scandal. Attempts by Mr Varadkar to clarify a promise that no woman would face the indignity of having to tell her cancer story in court have only inflamed the crisis facing his leadership. He has admitted he should have been “more clear” when making the commitment on May 11.

Wednesday

■ GRANDPARENTS who help out with childcare would receive a €1,000 annual payment under plans now being discussed in Budget negotiations. Shane Ross’s Independent Alliance called for the introduction of what they have described as a ‘grandparent and grandchild expenses reimbursement scheme’.

Thursday

■ A €1,000 State grant for grandparents who provide free childcare for their grandchildren would be extended to other family members. Transport Minister Shane Ross doubled down on his Budget demand by insisting the controversial payment could be extended to aunts, uncles, sisters and brothers who provide free childcare.

Friday

■ THE economy faces a shortage of skilled workers as employment reaches levels not seen since the Celtic Tiger. But the housing crisis and exorbitant rents are also driving up wage demands. Just 217,700 people signed on to the Live Register last month – the lowest seasonally adjusted level since June 2008.