Hopes of finding a treatment for the deadly ebola virus have shifted to a small California-based biotech company whose experimental drug has been used to treat two American missionary workers.

ONE in eight calls to the Samaritans is now due to the effects of the recession, with some people simply ringing up to sob down the phone line.

Sarah Palin had Sunday dinner with the Reverend Billy Graham a day before a planned stop on her book tour in eastern North Carolina.

Irish people will donate up to 300,000 boxes of Christmas toys in coming weeks to ensure Santa doesn't forget poor children abroad.

Las Vegas-based drug company Samaritan Pharma has teamed up with Irish healthcare company Pharmaplaz to develop a HIV inhibitor in a $10 million (€7.4m) deal.

Over 300,000 people contacted the Samaritans last year, according to the charity's first annual report.

I HAD the misfortune to fall ill while driving during the festive season. I managed to park my car by the side of the road and a few minutes later was assisted by a good Samaritan.

YOUNG people under stress are being urged to send a mobile phone text to the Samaritans.

A 14-year-old Haitian girl was in a critical yet stable condition today after doctors in Miami removed a 16-pound tumour-like mass from her face.

THE Cork Samaritans yesterday launched a week-long campaign to target people caring for relatives with mental illness.

The first International Red Cross convoy carrying medical supplies today reached Basra, the charity said.

MORE than half the population suffers from either stress or depression or both over the Christmas period.