{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/690b5df3317c91fd9a7765c9/6a4185e5f045c2057f1c4bdb?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Fuel excise cuts to be phased out; Russian signal jamming of planes; competitive socialising","description":"<p>Coalition leaders will consider plans to continue the reductions in excise on petrol and diesel, at least in part, beyond the July 31st deadline. However it is expected that the reductions introduced following the fuel protests in April will be tapered off over the coming months.</p><p><br></p><p>The State is opting to retain out-of-date aircraft navigation systems as they are <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/ireland/2026/06/29/ireland-retains-out-of-date-air-navigation-systems-in-response-to-russian-jamming/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">less susceptible to Russian jamming attacks</a> compared to more modern technology, according to records obtained by The Irish Times.</p><p><br></p><p>A marginal reduction in IT employment is probably one of the <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/business/economy/2026/06/29/targeted-supports-more-critical-amid-a-gradual-economic-slowdown/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">first manifestations of AI influencing the economy</a>. John Fitzgerald writes that any future support measures need to be targeted at poorer households amid a gradual economic slowdown.</p><p><br></p><p>From axe-throwing to augmented darts, Una Mullally is wondering what’s behind <a href=\"https://irishtimes.com/opinion/2026/06/29/una-mullally-from-axe-throwing-to-augmented-darts-whats-behind-the-rise-in-competitive-socialising/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">the rise in ‘competitive socialising’?</a></p><p><br></p><p>Presented by Aideen Finnegan</p><p><br></p>","author_name":"The Irish Times "}