Other New In Brief

Jobs Minister Welcomes Latest Unemployment Figures

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has welcomed the release of recent unemployment figures from the Central Statistics office.

A total of 191,700 people were unemployed in November 2012, 32,100 less during the same period in 2014.

Minister Bruton said: "Our very top priority since we took office as a Government is creating jobs and reducing unemployment. Since we launched out Action Plan for Jobs in February 2012, more than 135,000 extra people are at work across the country. Every region is now growing jobs. Today's figures confirm that this job-creation is continuing to have an impact on the number of people unemployed.

"However the figures also show that there is no room for complacency. The closer we get to full employment, the more difficult it is to continue to ensure that the jobs that are created are filled by people who are unemployed."

Stanley Hits Out At Irish Govt Over Climate Change

Sinn Féin's Environmental Spokesperson Brian Stanley has blasted the Irish Government over its 'inaction' concerning climate change.

At the COP 21 Paris Climate summit talks, Taoiseach Enda Kenny stated new legislation will be brought forward at the Dáil to help tackle climate change.

However, Deputy Stanley said inaction by previous Irish Governments has left the country playing 'catch up'.

"Unfortunately the government's legislation does not include sectoral targets and I and others tried to correct that during its passage through the Dáil," he said.

"The Taoiseach's statement that we are 'driving economic and environmental efficiencies in agriculture and achieving results' is open to question.

"The agriculture food sector is very important and we are producing food for many other countries. However, if we are to achieve the results the Taoiseach spoke about, then we need to develop other more sustainable farming areas such as sugar beet and re-start the sugar industry.

"The beef and dairy sectors are important and must be protected, but an over reliance on these leaves us vulnerable in terms of meeting our international commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

Rally To Be Held Marking Anniversary Of Jonathan Corrie

A rally is to be held later tonight in Dublin to mark the first anniversary of the death of Jonathan Corrie.

The 43-year-old homeless man was found dead in a doorway near Leinster House on 01 December 2014.

Organised by the National Homeless and Housing Coalition, large crowds are expected to gather outside Leinster House and call on the Government to take further action over homelessness.

(LM)