Green Party Enterprise spokesperson Eamon Ryan TD has today claimed that taxpayers' money is being wasted on Research and Development schemes that result in little return for the Irish economy.

TDs were treated to free cups of coffee and tea outside the Dáil today as part of a campaign to turn Ireland into a ‘Fairtrade Nation’.

The Government was urged to intervene tonight after sugar manufacturer Greencore announced it was to close its Carlow plant.

THE damning IFSRA report into AIB's operations drew widespread criticism last night from business and political circles as well as the bank's own staff.