TAOISEACH Brian Cowen has been asked to explain why legislation aimed at cracking down on bogus charities collecting clothes still hasn’t been implemented – even though it was passed by the Oireachtas last year.

Eating healthy food should not be the preserve of the well-off, according to a new guide aimed at promoting healthier eating in disadvantaged communities.

Construction tender prices are at their lowest levels since 1998, according to new figures from the Society of Chartered Surveyors.

There are calls from the Society of Chartered Surveyors for the introduction of a property tax.

ANY attempt to take funding from Leader groups and give it to other agencies would be a breach of contract, according to Jack Roche of rural development company IRD Duhallow.

EQUALITY Minister Pat Carey will face legal action this week over the redundancy of his former constituency secretary.

Thousands of protesters are marching in Dublin, Castlebar and Galway this afternoon to voice their opposition to cuts in disability services.

Health Minister Mary Harney has confirmed an immediate criminal ban on a list of products sold by head shops.

UNDERAGE youths could be sent into pubs, off-licences and shops to see if they can purchase alcohol, under draft proposals for a new drugs strategy.

THE Government’s Drugs Minister said the head shop industry had the “best legal representation that money can buy” and will certainly challenge planned laws to put them out of business.

ANGLO Irish Bank, which is expected to announce record-breaking losses of up to €15bn, has approved pay rises for key staff.