THE obliteration of the Hawaiian East Island in Hurricane Walaka in the last few weeks serves as a timely reminder to the vulnerability of many low-lying islands, writes Dan MacCarthy.

PAYMENTS to GPs under the medical card scheme and other State subsidies more than trebled in the past decade, reaching a record €440 million last year.

PAYMENTS to GPs under the medical card scheme and other state subsidies more than trebled in the past decade, reaching a record €440 million last year.

THE Department of Health is considering the introduction of strict procedures for the registration of alternative health practitioners after the death of a 49-year-old man in Mayo.

A scheme to supply housing for one-time emigrants choosing to return to Ireland has proved a big success, the Government has reported.