Latest News Headlines

• Reduced fee for septic tank inspections
Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan has said the inspection fee for septic tanks will be reduced from ?50 to ?5 for three months from April.


• Sarkozy warns Greece that time is running out
The French President has said time is running out on Greece as Athens has let another deadline slip for responding to terms for a new EU/IMF bailout.


• Welfare not funding 'basic standard of living'
A report suggests that the majority of families dependent on Jobseeker's Benefit do not have an adequate income for a basic standard of living.


• Shortage of senior doctors in emergency depts
A survey suggests that there is an ongoing shortage of senior doctors in emergency departments of eight hospitals.


• US shuts Syria embassy amid worsening violence
The United States is closing its embassy in Damascus as Syrian state forces continue the bombardment of the city of Homs.