However, Irish air traffic has returned to ‘modest growth’ in 2012, and there are signs that a more consistent growth will emerge, said the Irish Aviation Authority.
The HSE said this is the first month in which there has been a reduction in the deficit reported. The INMO said the figures “fail to portray the real crisis facing the Irish public health service”.
The CSO has released new figures about births, deaths and marriages in Ireland – including how the average age of brides and grooms is now at a record high.
Despite positive sales this Christmas, retailers are “pessimistic” about the year ahead, says Retail Ireland, which describes their overall mood as “grim”.
The State broadcaster has released the latest figures for its top ten highest paid presenters – which show a reduction of €4.45million in total during one year.
There has been a decline in people being given permission to build new houses, while planning permission granted for apartments dropped by almost 70 per cent this year.
The high rate of absenteeism by staff at the HSE has been criticised today. It emerged that the cost of absenteeism to HSE West is around €60 million annually.
The Road Safety Authority is warning people not to use mobile phones while driving. It has also emerged that one fifth of drivers caught using mobile phones have not been penalised.
“The majority of people in this country consume alcohol in a moderate, responsible manner that is entirely compatible with a healthy lifestyle and in line with European norms,” said Kathryn D’Arcy, director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland.
Some people can no longer afford to drink alcohol, others could be looking after their health, while many have suggested that the reduction in consumption could be related to emigration rates.
So today we want to know what do you think. Have you reduced your alcohol consumption in the past year?
Some sun with a shower
Max: 17 °C
Min: 7 °C
Partial sunshine
Max: 17 °C
Min: 8 °C
