More than half of farmers want a Brexit minister and do not believe the Government is doing enough to prepare for the UK’s exit from the EU.

The threat posed by Brexit is driving the view that Ireland needs a specific ministry to deal with it, says the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA).

An opinion poll finding that just 42% of farmers have a private pension scheme is linked to the volatility of the sector and needs to be tackled by Government, according to one of the country’s largest farming organisations.

Most farmers believe the Government should increase spending in next month’s Budget rather than cut taxes.

THERE has been a slight increase in the number of farmers who are unsure what will happen to their land in future.

Europe’s largest pop-up town was a blaze of bright lights last night as the tillage fields of Offaly awaited today’s start of the 86th National Ploughing Championships.

Almost 70% of those living in the countryside believe the divide between urban and rural Ireland is wider than ever.

Defective tyres contributed to 71 road deaths in a four- year period, according to a new report from the Road Safety Authority.

One in four people living in rural areas have difficulties discussing their personal problems, according to a survey commissioned by an association representing counsellors and psychotherapists.

Kerrygold and Tayto have fended off competition from stout, chocolate, and rashers to be voted the most longed-for foods in a survey of Irish emigrants.

More people in Ireland are using smart, connected devices, according to the results of new research.

More than three-quarters of the public support setting a ‘living wage’ as the country’s minimum wage level, according to an opinion poll.

Over half of teachers see children arriving at school hungry at least once a week, with almost 80% saying that this number has increased in the last year.

Cash-strapped shoppers are most likely to break habits and trade up when buying baby foods or formula.

One in five households are behind on their electricity bill, according to a new survey for the Energy Regulator.

More than half of the total number of ballot papers cast in the Midlands-North-West constituency have been rechecked.

A survey by retail trade magazine Checkout revealed that 61% of 441 respondents said that they miss Tayto when overseas, with 34% claiming they miss the famous crisps “a lot”.

Almost 60% of people aged between 25 and 49 have either lost their jobs, had their hours reduced or had a cut in salary during the recession — and look set to be hardest hit once again in the upcoming budget.

Martin McGuinness is set to make a return to politics in the Republic as a Sinn Féin nominee on the panel of the constitutional convention.

About one third of workers in one of the country’s leading unions are having difficulties feeding and clothing their families after wage cuts, a survey shows.

Most consumers are buying their fresh meat, poultry, seafood and dairy products in supermarkets, rather than butchers, fishmongers or other specialist shops, according to a survey.

THE Queen may not have visited the Fota Wildlife Park last year but almost 400,000 people did.

IRELAND’S wildest attraction is set to target international visitors after a study found park-going holiday makers are worth up to €146 million to the local economy.

RESEARCH conducted by Behaviour & Attitudes on behalf of the Institute of Directors in Ireland among its members, has found that the majority of directors surveyed have confidence in the Government, with 88% agreeing that the coalition will create political stability and 67% confident in the Government’s ability to rebuild the economy.

A survey of Irish business directors has signalled belief in the Fine Gael/Labour coalition to restore confidence in Ireland, but has also revealed the desire for a range of measures to support business.

THE majority of directors of companies believe the Government is not doing enough to resolve the economic crisis and half of company bosses don’t even think the Government understands the problem.

Irish small and medium sized businesses are adopting social media marketing techniques according to a survey

TEACHERS are spending more than half their working time in activities outside the classroom, with average working weeks of up to 46 hours, a survey has found.

A new survey suggests consumer confidence is higher than many people expected, given the recent economic downturn.

Half of the population are not happy with their current weight but are not necessarily prepared to address this issue, according to a recent Vhi Healthcare survey.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has today published the findings of an opinion poll of public attitudes towards the problems of alcohol misuse.

ALMOST half of parents save part of their monthly children’s allowance payment to cover future education costs, a survey has found.

THE Pensions Board should do more to raise awareness of the September 15 deadline for Personal Retirement Savings Accounts.