Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Exchequer figures reveal surplus of €2.265 billion for 2006
18:25 The Exchequer returns for 2006 reveal a surplus of some €2.265 billion. Figures published by the Department of Finance show tax receipts increased by 15.8 per cent last year, with total receipts amounting €46.145 billion. Minister for Finance Brian Cowen said: "The nation's debt now represents less than 25 per cent of our income compared to nearly 120 per cent twenty years ago."

SF raises doubts over response on policing
19:58 Hopes that Sinn Féin could make a ground-breaking move on policing in Northern Ireland were tonight in doubt after the party said it was still awaiting a positive response from the DUP.
Charges against men accused of Northern Bank heist dropped
18:14 Charges against two men accused over the £26.5 million Northern Bank robbery were dramatically withdrawn in Belfast today.
Inquiry into removal of Irish tourist's organs
21:43 An inquiry is underway after the internal organs of a dead Irish tourist were removed in Bulgaria and his body stuffed with sawdust, it has been reported.
US 'raised concerns' over Saddam hanging
18:04 The US said it raised concerns with the Iraqi government about procedures and timing of Saddam Hussein's execution, but the military said it had "no role" in the process.