THE system of emergency welfare payments is in danger of collapsing because of record job losses and a lack of staff to process claims, community welfare officers (CWOs) have warned.

THE HSE has apologised to the users of a community welfare office that had to be shut down before Christmas on health and safety grounds and whose decaying condition was first raised in the Dáil almost seven years ago.

Vodafone says it is making an indicative proposal to buy Australian firm Cable & Wireless Optus (CWO) in order to expand its presence in the country.