The union which represents the country’s community welfare officers has criticised a 60% drop in the amount paid out by the State in exceptional needs payments to those in financial difficulty.

Staff at the Department of Social Protection (DSP) have been rude, racist and used abusive language when dealing with migrants, a new report shows.

A LIMERICK company which installed the floodlighting at Thomond Park and the new greyhound stadium in the city has gone into liquidation with the loss of 50 jobs.

A FINANCIER best known for his attempt to buy the British Co-op consumer services group now has insurer Royal & Sun Alliance (RSA) in his sights, it was reported yesterday.