Genetic mutations linked with leukaemia are “almost inevitable” as people get older, new research suggests.

AGRICULTURE Minister Brendan Smith is to support tolerance for low level traces of genetically modified material in animal feed imported into the EU. He told the Dáil: “I have informed Commissioner Vassiliou of DG Sanco that my officials will work closely with her officials to agree a proposal for the setting of a tolerance for the low level presence of, as yet, unauthorised GM events.”

A WOMAN died yesterday of swine flu bringing to 10 the number of fatalities linked to the virus in the Republic.

Health Minister Mary Harney is due to attend an emergency EU meeting in Luxembourg today to coordinate efforts to prevent the spread of swine flu in Europe.

SEVEN EU countries, including Ireland, reported suspected cases of swine flu yesterday as the EU and the World Health Organisation (WHO) raised the alert level for the virus.