The banks and courts are showing scant mercy when it comes to families struggling to stay in their homes. Norma Costelloe talks to families who think this year could be the year that the bailiffs finally come knocking.

Even by its usually busy standards Cork’s courthouse on Washington Street saw an increased footfall yesterday, as the usual traffic of legal eagles negotiated its way through a congregation of protestors who took up residence on the court’s limestone steps for the morning.

A security company has been granted a temporary High Court order preventing several anti-eviction activists from organising a protest at the Irish Country and Western Music Awards ceremony at Dublin’s Citywest Hotel later this month.

LOSING a job is a setback for most people, but for some it is an opportunity for adventure.

The Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Barry Andrews will join with his Northern counterpart Minister Michael McGimpsey to launch a cross-border child protection innovation today.