BUSINESS PEOPLE, trade unions and politicians welcomed the Irish referendum vote as a breakthrough for the beleaguered Lisbon Treaty over the weekend, while the European Commission said it will undertake research on just why the Irish changed their minds.

REMINISCENT of the refrain shouted by parents everywhere, makers of personal music players have been told by the European Commission to turn it down, as research says up to 10 million people in Europe are in danger of going deaf.

THE obesity battle is being brought to the school gate with Ireland chosen as one of seven EU countries where a roadshow on the benefits of better eating and more exercise for children will be rolled out.

THIS time next week our fate as part of the EU will be decided.

IRISH people living in Brussels are being offered free flights home to canvass in the referendum campaign.

A NEW watchdog system to identify and give early warnings of banking problems across the EU has been unveiled by the European Commission.

THE drinks industry is playing far too big a role in shaping alcohol policy, allowing it to produce advertising that targets very young people, an international conference has been told.

JUST more than two weeks ahead of the second vote on the Lisbon Treaty, some of the country’s leading sporting, social, political and artistic figures have firmly pinned their colours to the Yes or No camps.

EUROPE Minister Dick Roche has become the first member of Government to express an interest in the job as Ireland’s European Commissioner, saying he would like to take up the position when Charlie McCreevy’s term ends next month.

THE EU is coming out of recession, according to figures from the big member states.