IRISH citizens could be left waiting in line to have their passports checked at the borders to the rest of Europe because the country has chosen to stay outside the Schengen area, EU officials have confirmed.

ONLY one in four people know of the 112 emergency number that people can use to summon help in an emergency in any country in Europe except Bulgaria, and in their own language, according to the latest research.

THE controversial risk equalisation scheme in Ireland — whereby elderly and ill people insured by the largely State- owned VHI are shielded from higher health insurance premiums — has been approved by the European Court of Justice.

IRISH smokers contribute more per person to cigarette company profits than any other in the EU because of the Government’s minimum price policy.

THE Government is being accused of protecting tobacco companies’ profit margins by setting a minimum price for cigarettes.

BRAZILIAN beef will be banned from being sold in the EU from today because of concerns about its safety.

JUSTICE Minister Brian Lenihan said he believes a way can be found to allow Ireland access to the EU’s massive database of information on visitors to mainland Europe.

IRELAND may yet agree to allow foreign couples to divorce under the laws of their own country in Irish courtrooms, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan intimated yesterday.

THE Cabinet has approved the long-awaited Immigration, Residence and Protection Bill and it will be published early next week, Justice Minister Brian Lenihan has confirmed.