The change in the way that biofuel is being gradually introduced in the makeup of petrol and diesel should be warmly welcomed. Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources Eamon Ryan announced yesterday that 4% of the petrol and diesel sold to motorists will have to come from biofuels by the middle of next year.

The consumer survey conducted in September by the National Consumer Agency (NCA) found that there is a great discrepancy between prices charged at various outlets for everyday healthcare products like toothpaste, shaving gel and cough mixture. Personal care items and over the counter medicines tend to be the most expensive elements in the weekly shopping.

The 57-year-old Cork dentist, who was convicted in the district court 10 days ago of sexually assaulting a trainee nurse, is free to practice without restrictions.

Earlier this year the Government announced that €4 billion in savings would have to be found in next month’s budget by spending cuts of €2.25bn and extra taxation to raise an addition €1.75bn.

THIS weekend we celebrate the 20th anniversary of a great victory for human instinct and visceral ambition over an evil and degenerate system.

YESTERDAY we reported that one in 20 British schoolchildren thought Adolf Hitler was the German football coach; that a similar proportion thought the Holocaust a celebration at the end of World War II.

THIS afternoon workers will hold protest marches at eight centres around the country over the impact measures aimed at trying to stave off national bankruptcy might have on their incomes, working conditions and pensions. The threat of a 24-hour strike disrupting many public services on November 24 remains.

TRAFFICKING — enslaving might be a better, more accurate word — women and children for the sex trade is one of the great crimes of the modern world.

The Government set up a task force in January of this year to tackle unemployment. It consists of officials from a number of Government departments, along with nominees from various elements of the social partnership.

Congratulations to RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, which today celebrates 25 years on the air. It is a great achievement for any radio show to last that long, but in this case it is a phenomenal triumph because it has established itself as an important and vibrant source of news for a great many people.