THE economic crisis and terms of the EU/IMF bailout mean the Government cannot commit to pay the estimated €13 billion actuarial cost of providing a state guarantee of the full pension entitlements of workers in cases of employer insolvency.

THE Oireachtas last night published a Bill that gives the governor of the Central Bank major powers over the banking sector.

THREE months ago, the Irish Human Rights Commission (IHRC) published its assessment of abuses in the Magdalene laundries.

Ireland will not be forced into a Budget dictated by the International Monetary Fund and Europe, Finance Minister Brian Lenihan insisted today.

Taoiseach Brian Cowen today rubbished accusations that the Government had surrendered Ireland‘s sovereignty.

Central Bank Governor Patrick Honohan today said he expects the country to get a loan worth tens of billions through an International Monetary Fund-European Union rescue package.