The European Commission today imposed a €104m fine on British Airways for its part in cargo route price fixing involving a number of airlines.

European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia today welcomed the comprehensive statement issued by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan on the banking system, saying it brought "clarity" to the situation.

THE Government received formal approval from Brussels yesterday to press ahead with its €100 million grant aid scheme for struggling companies — as detailed by Finance Minister Brian Lenihan in last week’s emergency budget.

CONSUMERS are being ripped off by large retail stores which are failing to pass on the benefits of the falling value of sterling, Dublin MEP Eoin Ryan says.

EU state aid rules on bank guarantee schemes and re-capitilisation are being reviewed urgently to enable faster decisions by the commission.

The two main health insurance companies VHI and Quinn Healthcare have announced that substantial price increases will be introduced in the new year.

Ryanair today announced that it has submitted a complaint to the European Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes regarding what the budget airline alleges is an example of price-fixing by Lufthansa, Swiss, KLM and Air France.

THE Government has asked the European Commission to prevent Ryanair taking over Aer Lingus but has admitted that although they had considered the possibility of such a takeover, they were taken by surprise when it happened.

A late rally triggered by a positive opening in the United States pushed London’s leading shares back above the 4200 barrier today.