NEWS FROM IRELAND

CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

New laws are being introduced in an effort to
reduce illegal immigration into Ireland. All
non-nationals will be required to carry biometric
identity cards. New powers will be given to allow
for the immediate detention and deportation of
illegal immigrants. The new laws will also prevent
illegal immigrants from using marriage as a means
of achieving residence in Ireland. The automatic
entitlement to welfare and benefits is also being
removed.

A single appeals body called the 'Protection
Review Tribunal' will be established to replace the
bureaucracy system that currently exists. Strict
standards of credibility are being defined which
will be used to gauge the validity of all claims
for asylum. New applicants will be required to
reside in state-run reception areas until their
status is decided.

IMF IDENTIFIES 3 THREATS TO IRISH ECONOMY

The International Monetary Fund (IF) has
identified 3 possible dangers to the Irish economy.
The first of these is the Irish obsession with
property which is fuelling the construction boom,
boosting employment and immigration, which in turn
have a big effect on Government revenue from VAT,
Income Tax, and Stamp Duty. If there is a slowdown
in the property market, perhaps caused by a jolt
to interest rates, then the Irish economy could
suffer greatly.

The IF has suggested that the small Irish economy
is particularly vulnerable to an 'external shock'.
For example, the recent surge in energy prices has
fuelled inflation to over 4%, its highest level in
over 3 years. Any major international event could
have a very damaging effect on the Irish economy.

The General Election is likely to be held next May
and the IF has added its voice to those who have
already warned the Fianna Fail government against
'buying' the election, by using government
spending to curry favour with the electorate.

Irish wage costs continue to surge and, combined
with the strength of the EURO, has seriously
eroded competitiveness. The IF expects the Irish
economy to grow by 6.2% in 2006, well ahead of the
EU average.

'ROUNDS' SYSTEM PARTLY TO BLAME FOR IRISH DRINKING

Latest statistics about Irish drinking habits have
shown that younger adult males have an average of
11 drinks each on a night out, largely due to the
system of 'rounds' that is part of Irish culture.

Ireland is at the top of the league table for
alcohol consumption in Europe. A recent WHO study
of 11 European countries also found that the Mater
hospital in Dublin receives more drink-related
cases than hospital in any of the countries.

Further calls by the medical profession for access
to alcohol to be restricted have been made, as
well as an abolition of advertising.

The Government has responded with the introduction
of random breath-testing. No longer do Gardai have
to form an impression that a person is under the
influence of drink before they can breathalyze
them. Now, anyone anywhere can be breathalaysed.

REDEVELOPMENT OF LANDSDOWNE ROAD TO COMMENCE

Dublin City Council has given planning permission
for the redevelopment of Landsdowne Road, which
will be used by the FAI and IRFU for international
soccer and rugby matches. Construction of the
50,000 seat stadium is set to begin in 2007 and be
completed by 2009. The GAA has opened up Croke
Park to is rival associations which will allow
both the FAI and IRFU to benefit from the use of
the much larger venue.

SILVER MEDAL FOR IRISH ATHLETE

A new Irish record of 12.72 seconds in the 100
metre hurdles earned Derval O' Rourke a silver
medal in the European championships in Gothenburg.
The 25-year-old is now a realistic Irish medal
hope for the Olympics to be held in Beijing in 2008.


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