The local property tax rate is to remained unchanged until 2019 to allow time for the Government to consider a new system for calculating the charge.

The world’s largest accounting firms were yesterday cleared of blame for their audits of banks here as the country hurtled toward financial disaster in 2008.

A major report has cleared the external audit firms of any substantial failings in the audits carried out of the banks here on the eve of the financial crash in 2008.

Official figures yesterday showed that the annual rate of home price increases has eased in some regions, but the headache for the Government in considering a potential overhaul of the local property tax has far from lessened, according to an analysis by the Irish Examiner.

Homeowners will not face any “shock” increases in property taxes next year, Finance Minister Michael Noonan yesterday pledged —provided the Coalition was returned to power.

The CSO figures published yesterday will bring no relief to the Government as it seeks to reform the local property tax before the election.

John Shorten beat Wayne Callanan by almost a bowl in the Billy Molloy Cup at Whitechurch. 

Eoin O’Sullivan (17) will treasure fond memories of yesterday’s Kilkenny Foxhounds point-to-point meeting at Grennan Castle outside Thomastown as he partnered his initial career winner aboard his father Eugene’s The Hollinwell in the open lightweight.

The Environment Minister Phil Hogan is refusing to say if local authorities will be given powers to set rates for the property tax.

FURTHER transparency concerning NAMA transactions is needed, the National Competitiveness Council has urged.

NEIL LENNON claimed his Celtic side surprised him with the quality of their performance in a commanding 2-0 win over Hibernian at Easter Road.

Defender Kelvin Wilson made his Clydesdale Bank Premier League debut for Celtic in their clash with Hibernian at Easter Road.

GARY HOOPER claimed a double as Celtic reclaimed top spot in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League with a comfortable win over Hibernian last night.

SEAN Óg Ó hAILPÍN has stressed he meant no disrespect this week when he expressed his surprise that Antrim — Cork’s next opponents — were still alive and kicking in the hurling championship.

Dinny Cahill was bursting with pride as he watched his Antrim side come from behind to beat Dublin and keep their All-Ireland dreams alive at Croke Park.

MORE focus on the quality of teachers is a critical factor in improving the education system, a former top civil servant has claimed.

UNLESS the tax base is broadened to repair the public finances income taxes will have to be raised, the National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has warned.

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) today called for the prioritisation of investment in Dublin and our other main cities to enhance and ensure Ireland’s long-term competitiveness.

THE promotion of teacher quality through pay and training can help Ireland rebound, the chairman of the National Competitiveness Council said yesterday.

KRIS COMMONS’ goal settled an enthralling FA Cup fourth-round replay between east midlands rivals Nottingham Forest and Derby to ensure a winning return to the City Ground for Nigel Clough.

Man City 0 Nottingham Forest 3

THE Dublin county coroner has recorded a verdict of death by medical misadventure at an inquest into the death of a man who died the day after a routine prostate operation was performed at a private Co Kildare hospital.

A FATHER whose only son was gunned down said yesterday the system has failed to give him justice.

The National Competitiveness Council (NCC) has called for the re-introduction of third-level fees and a broadening of tax bands.

THE Irish Payment Services Organisation (IPSO) yesterday announced the appointment of Dr Don Thornhill as the organisation’s first independent chairman.

SPIRALLING consumer prices and poor infrastructure are threatening the Irish economy, a new report has found.

A FORMER senior Revenue official yesterday told the Moriarty Tribunal that he disagreed with a decision of the tax authorities to wipe out interest payments worth £62,450 for Dunnes Stores in 1987.

ENTERPRISE, Trade and Employment Minister Micheál Martin has said Dr Don Thornhill will take over as chairman of the National Competitiveness Council (NCC).

THE governing bodies of third-level colleges are not flexible enough and should be made smaller but with more business representation, the Enterprise Strategy Group recommends.