The problem here for the punters ... is just who to believe and exactly what to put in our mouths, writes Alison O’Connor

The number of people dealing with their mortgage debts through the Insolvency Service of Ireland (ISI) has risen in the past year, but the overall figure has been branded “pathetic” by those advocating an overhaul of debt services.

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US President Barack Obama has authorised the Pentagon to call up reserve and National Guard troops if they are needed to assist in the US response to the ebola outbreak in Africa.

Fionnuala Britton’s debut marathon catapulted her to fourth in the Irish all-time list as the double European cross-country champion finished tenth at the European Championships 26-miler in Zurich.

Ireland's Fionnuala Britton had to make-do with eighth place as 40-year-old Jo Pavey made athletics history in Zurich this evening.

Inter-county managers will be forced to hold GAA approved coaching qualifications by 2018. The policy, approved by Central Council last June on the back of a recommendation from the FRC, will prevent an inter-county manager from patrolling the sideline if they have not acquired the requisite expertise.

Jennifer Lopez will return to 'American Idol' for a reported $15 million.

Sharon Osbourne would "love" to return to 'The X Factor'.

LITTLE PARROT illustrated by Katie Saunders (Caterpillar E7.10 HB) is a colourful, sturdy touch-and-feel board book.

Raves should not be allowed to take place in Phoenix Park, Tourism and Transport Minister Leo Varadkar has said.

Sligo ended their Division Three campaign with a flourish when defeating their neighbours at a wet Markievicz Park.

The Oscar nominations have been announced and among the films up for best picture are Warhorse, The Artist, The Help and Hugo.

A former judge will head a commission on the upcoming referendum on cutting the pay of the judiciary.

THE Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation, Richard Bruton, is expected to announce in Shannon tomorrow 300 jobs for two new Shannon firms and a “very significant” contract secured by an existing company.

UNDER-PRESSURE Manchester City coach Roberto Mancini has asked for more time in the post after his side lost their third match in a row against Lech Poznan on Thursday night.

A HIGH Court application by journalist Ian Bailey to get detailed Garda files for his action for alleged wrongful arrest in connection with the murder of Sophie Toscan du Plantier will be heard next February.

SUPPORT for the Pope among British Roman Catholics remains high, despite most disagreeing with their Church’s stance on controversial issues, a survey indicated yesterday.

A protest is being held outside Supermacs in Dublin today organised by the Restaurant Workers Action Group

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen is refusing to comment on reports Martin Cullen may depart Cabinet in the planned reshuffle.

THE dairy sector is heading for disaster if milk prices stay at their current historically low level, European agriculture and rural development commissioner Mariann Fischer Boel has admitted.

Culture Night is to become a nationwide event next year, the Dáil heard today.

AN IRISH language campaigner has lost his battle to avoid the “institutional harassment” of a Canadian army pledge, which requires him to toast and salute Queen Elizabeth II.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice Michael McDowell today announced a major expansion of the Garda CCTV town centre scheme.

The minister for trade and commerce, Mr Michael Ahern, has welcomed the latest trade statistics released today by the CSO.

ALISTAIR CRAGG will have to do something special if he is to convert his indoor gold medal-winning performance to the outdoor track at the European championships in Gothenburg the week after next, following last night’s run at the Norwich Union Super Grand Prix in Crystal Palace where he faded to finish seventh in what was by no means a world class 1,500m.

An Taoiseach is to lead the largest-ever Irish trade delegation to India next month.

Northern Ireland's Children’s Commissioner today told how a street corner shrine to lost lives made him appreciate the scale of the North’s suicide problem.

The treatment of immigrant workers is dominating the opening day of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions' biennial conference in Belfast today.

THE Information Commissioner, Emily O’Reilly, has called for inspection reports on all schools and nursing homes to be made routinely available to the public.

OVER €67 million has been overpaid to welfare recipients over the last two years by the Department of Social and Family Affairs, latest figures reveal.

Dublin-based payments provider, Agile has teamed with Cable & Wireless Guernsey to launch the world's first prepaid mobile data application payment service - C&W Mpay.

Health and safety officials in the North and the Republic have launched a cross-border campaign aimed at reducing the number of deaths in the construction industry.

Social welfare requirements for the north Louth area should be kept under constant review to meet any needs emerging as a result of the foot-and-mouth crisis, according to the Minister for Social, Community and Family Affairs.