Enda Kenny strongly signalled yesterday that Ireland was not worried, and will make a "robust defence", to European authorities investigating corporate tax practices with computer giant Apple.

Seventy new manufacturing jobs have been announced in Kells in Co Meath, as part of the government's action plan for jobs.

Gerard Howlin on a book that looks at the synergy of history, politics and the ideas that has brought the European Union to life and sustained it through succeeding crises.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said he is "very pleased" with the latest economic forecast from the Central Bank.

The State owned Allied Irish Bank has been granted temporary orders by the High Court against six former senior executives of one of its successful subsidiaries, Allied Irish Bank International Financial Services Ltd. (AIBIFS)

It is feared new and bigger euro area bailouts may soon be needed.

Italy's Finance Minister is to hold talks in Luxemburg this morning with the Eurozone Chief Jean Claude Junker, as the country faces continuing pressure on international money markets due to its debt levels.

EU Finance Ministers, including Ireland's Michael Noonan, are meeting in Luxemburg this afternoon to discuss a possible second rescue package for Greece.

An environmental expert from international consultancy WYG has urged local industry to reduce monthly utility bills by capitalising on groundwater resources.

Rihanna has promised her UK fans she will be fine to play despite her rib injury.

Rihanna is recovering from an injured rib.

IRELAND is the sixth largest aid donor per capita in the world, having donated €870 million last year to crises and humanitarian needs.

THE draws for the European Basketball Championships were made in Venice on Saturday.

IRELAND is still in the top third of EU countries for road deaths, with little or no change over the past year, according to a survey of traffic safety.

GRIEVING families yesterday hand-delivered a 20,000-signature petition to the Transport Minister calling on him to introduce mandatory alcohol testing for all drivers involved in road accidents.

MOTORISTS not shopping around are losing hundreds of euro in their fuel bills.

PARENTS and teachers alike will find it hard not to be cynical about the timing of Education Minister Noel Dempsey’s announcement that he intends creating an extra 350 special teaching posts to cater for primary school children with learning difficulties.

EU Ministers resume talks on reform of the Common Agricultural Policy in Luxemburg later today.