Other News In Brief

Retirement Age Could Increase

Speculation is mounting fast that Ireland's retirement age will be increased this week as Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin prepares to publish a pensions policy framework on Wednesday. Expectations have grown after it emerged that the Bank of Ireland will tell staff tomorrow it is considering raising the retirement age for its employees to 68. The age increase is an effort to get a hold on the €1.5 billion missing from the banks pension fund for it's staff. In the North, a new pension revision has been announced that makes widespread changes to the existing regulations. See: Pensions Review Reduces Qualifying Period

Govt Spent €61k On Chandelier In Dáil

It has emerged that €9m of taxpayers' money has been spent on facilities at Leinster House in recent years. According to reports, €1m was spent on a restaurant, almost €230,000 on a coffee dock and €61,000 on a Waterford Crystal chandelier. The figures also reveal that almost €700,000 was spent on a massive paint job in Leinster House.

Over Two Firms Close Daily - ICC

More than two companies a day are being wound up according to ICC Information, one of Ireland's top credit raters. The group is involved in credit rating of companies north and south of the border and says the construction industry accounted for almost a quarter of firms in difficulty. More than 50% of companies holding creditors meetings were in Dublin, with only over 10% in Cork. ICC Information says companies in difficulty had debts of €1.18bn, according to the latest accounts filed.

(DW/BMcc)