The cost of living increased by half a per cent over the last year, official figures revealed today.

IRELAND’S total trade surplus for 2010 is still expected to beat that of last year despite a disappointing 20% drop in June, the latest month for which figures are available.

CONSUMERS can expect hefty hikes in food prices in the coming weeks.

CONSUMER prices are no longer falling sharply, with figures showing an easing off in price drops.

A HIGH Court judge has asked the DPP to examine alleged forged signatures on loan documents of ACC Bank plus a “fictitious” P60 in the bank’s files certifying a much higher rate of pay for a retired Garda in a case where the bank yesterday secured judgment for €3.27 million against the retired Garda and three others.

A protester at the "Reclaim the Streets" march in 2002, has told a Dublin Circuit Criminal Court jury, that he saw blood in the air when a garda struck his friend on the head with a baton.

A detective has told a jury that aerial footage of the 2002 ‘Reclaim the Streets’ protest in Dublin appears to show Garda Paul Tallon striking out at a protester three times with a baton.

A member of An Garda Síochana has gone on trial at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court charged with assault causing harm to a protestor at the 2002 ‘Reclaim the Streets’ march on Dame Street.