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Shatter: Garda chief told me about WallaceEmbattled Justice Minister Alan Shatter said the Garda commissioner gave him details about TD Mick Wallace escaping penalty points and that he publicly revealed it to defend the integrity of the force.
Panicked last minutes aboard the Tit Bonhomme revealed at inquest Rarely has a voice ever carried so much panic.
- WORLD
Horror and heroism as tornado wreaks havocThe search for survivors and the dead in the Oklahoma City suburb raked by a massive tornado was almost complete last night.
Chile miner happy to be played by Banderas in filmAntonio Banderas will star in a movie as one of the 33 Chilean miners trapped deep underground for more than two months in 2010, and the charismatic survivor he's playing couldn't be happier.
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Smooth exit from bailout forecastIreland is heading for a smooth exit from the bailout programme as GDP grows — delivering a huge political and reputational reward for the country, according to the latest Ernst & Young Economic Eye.
Glanbia’s Talbot first woman to take helm at a major Irish food companySiobhan Talbot is set to succeed John Moloney as group managing director of Glanbia, at the end of this year — becoming the first woman to head up a major Irish food company.
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Deegan in dock over advantage ruleArmagh's Jamie Clarke has cleared Paul Grimley of all responsibility for Sunday's defeat by Cavan, but questioned referee Maurice Deegan's decision not to allow him advantage in scoring his second-half disallowed goal.
One more year and that’s it, insists O’DriscollBrian O'Driscoll has ruled out extending his career beyond next June.
- LIFESTYLE
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Opening a can of wormsThe UN thinks it's a good idea, but what do the Irish think of eating creepy crawlies, wonders Jonathan deBurca Butler.
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Today's stories
Silicon Valley Bank to lend $100m to Irish firms
A US bank has unveiled plans to lend $100m (€79m) to Ireland's innovation sector.Silicon Valley Bank is teaming up with the National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) in a two-step programme.
It will loan cash to companies in areas like technology, life sciences, private equity and venture capital, with the NPRF helping to identify clients for the loans.
The arrangement will also see the NPRF invest in technology-focused funds managed by the bank.
Commenting on the initiative, Greg Becker, president and CEO of Silicon Valley Bank, today said: “Building on the momentum we’ve seen in the UK with our recently opened UK branch and our aspirations to support our innovative clients around the world, we are really looking forward to bringing our knowledge and global network to entrepreneurs in Ireland.
“We’d like to thank the Irish Government and particularly the NPRF for their proactive approach and support of our efforts to enter the market.”
Paul Carty, chairman of the NPRF Commission, said: “Bringing Silicon Valley Bank’s expertise and understanding of emerging and high-growth companies to Ireland will have a significant and positive impact on the ability of our vibrant innovation sector to reach its long-term growth potential.”