THE Government is undermining its own homeless strategy by slashing rent supports for vulnerable tenants.

THE Irish Banking Federation (IBF) has denied suggestions that its members are profiting from mortgage holders switching to more affordable interest rates.

Social and Family Affairs Minister Mary Hanafin says the number of people losing jobs in Ireland has slowed down significantly in recent weeks.

HOMEOWNERS in a pilot project of houses designed to be energy efficient have reported a 60% drop in energy use.

DESPITE the unprecedented wealth of the Celtic Tiger phenomenon — now a dim and distant memory as industry declines and thousands of jobs are lost — the stark reality is that poverty remains a dark blot on the conscience of society.

THOUSANDS of families are having to manage without welfare payments this summer because the Department of Social and Family Affairs does not have the staff to renew their claims swiftly enough.

The Oireachtas Committee on Social and Family Affairs is due to meet today to discuss the issue of older people who save money from their state pensions.