The National Youth Council has urged the Government not to give insurance companies access to motorists' penalty points records until the industry stops penalising young motorists because of their age.

Government plans to introduce legislation that will force publicans to check national ID cards for 18 to 25-year-olds will not work, according to the National Youth Council.

A poll in today's Irish Times shows 61% public opinion against the re-introduction of college fees. Education Minister, Noel Dempsey's plans to charge €4000 a year to those who can afford it, had already met strong resistance from parents and students.