News fron Ireland

HOUSING CRASH VERY UNLIKELY

A report from one of Ireland's largest banks, AIB,
has indicated that a crash in the Irish housing
market is very unlikely. A recent slow-down in the
rate of increase in house price inflation has ended
and prompted the bank to predict a 7% growth rate
for 2005.

The Irish love affair with property looks set to
continue with as much as 30% of new homes being
snapped up by investors. Over 75,000 new housing
units were built in 2004 and this figure looks set
to be repeated in 2005. Low inflation, high rates
of employment as well as the release of SSIA funds
(savings) in April 2006 are among the main reasons
for the continued optimism.

GOVERNMENT MAY INTRODUCE COMPULSORY PENSIONS

Despite widespread advertising of the need for
citizens to have adequate pensions, the uptake
in private pensions is so low that the Irish
Government may make pensions compulsory.

A recent survey has revealed that 47% of the
workforce have no pension cover, with 60% of
women in employment having no pension cover.

TITANIC DISINTEGRATING RAPIDLY

A deep-sea dive by Irish diver Rory Golden, has
further revealed the extent of damage to the
world's most famous shipwreck. Located in two
pieces, hundreds of yards apart beneath 2.5 miles
of ocean, the Belfast-built ship is disintegrating
at a rapid pace.

A commemorative plaque from Harland and Wolff
shipyard was placed on the wreckage during the
dive.

VESTMENTS OF FAMOUS DUBLIN CHOIR THRASHED

The world famous choir of the historic
Christchurch Cathedral, located in the heart of
Dublin City centre, are having to make alternative
arrangements for their clothing, after their
vestments were thrown out with the thrash.

The red cassocks and white surplices were being
stored in black plastic bin bags prior to a
visit to the dry cleaners. An over-enthusiastic
helper seems to have put them out with the trash
for collection by the City garbage trucks. Valued
at over EURO 20,000 the Choir administrators are
hoping that an insurance claim will cover at least
part of the cost.

The Cathedral is located in the heart of 'Viking'
Dublin and has a history of performing music since
1493. It has existed since the eleventh century
although the current building dates to 1172, the
year of the Strongbow invasion.

ANTI-BIRD FLU MEASURES ARE TIGHTENED

The EU has implemented a complete ban on all
birds into the EU, apart from commercial poultry.
Private owners who wish to import birds from
approved countries must place them in quarantine
for 35 days.

Further regulations are expected in the global
expansion of the measures to prevent the
spread of avian flu.

IRELAND CRASH OUT OF WORLD CUP

The Irish soccer team crashed out of the World
Cup and will not be playing in the finals in
Germany in 2006. A hard-fought 1-0 victory over
Cyprus was followed up by a disappointing 0-0
draw against Switzerland at Landsdowne Road, who
reached the 'play-offs' after finishing second
in the group to France.

The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed
that they will not be renewing the contract of
manager Brian Kerr who must surely be ruing the
points that were dropped by his team in the two
drawn matches against Israel.

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