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National News Briefs

Public Accounts Committee to examine public sector allowances

The Dáil's spending watchdog is bringing forward its inquiries into public sector allowances.

Members of the Public Accounts Committee will examine the scheme over 15 days in October, and the Secretaries General of government departments will each be invited to attend for a day's hearings.

It is hoped the hearings will be completed in time for December's Budget.

The allowances, which are worth €1.5bn every year, are back in the spotlight after it emerged last week that the Government would only cut one out of over a thousand it had examined.
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Woman dies after moped collides with car in Cork

Gardaí are investigating after a 25-year-old woman was killed in a crash in Co. Cork last night.

The woman was driving a moped on the Sarsfield Rd in Cork city at about 11.20pm last night, when she collided with a car.

She was taken to Cork University Hospital, but later died.

The occupants of the other car weren't injured.

Gardaí said the Sarsfield road is closed between the driving test centre and the entrance to Westbury estate, except for access.

A forensic examination will be carried out at the scene later and anyone with any information is asked to contact Togher Garda station on 021-4947120.
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Police examine if bag was planted in missing woman case

In Australia, detectives and forensic investigators have arrived at the Brunswick, Melbourne home of missing Drogheda native Jill Meagher.

The 29-year-old disappeared after a work night out on Friday.

A team of officers arrived at the apartment she shares with her husband Thomas this morning wearing forensic outfits and carrying cameras.

Police said the search is a routine part of the ongoing investigation.

They are now investigating whether Jill's handbag was planted in a laneway, after an initial police search at the weekend failed to find it.  Read more ....
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Dundalk to get 56 new jobs

A pet products company is to create 56 new jobs in Dundalk, Co. Louth.

US multinational Radio Systems Corporation is setting up a new European Head Office in the town.

Jobs Minister Richard Bruton has made the announcement and the positions will be filled over the next three years, with the first 25 employees being recruited by the end of this year.

The investment is supported by the Irish Government with the aid of IDA Ireland.
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Met Éireann issues weather warning

Spot flooding has been reported in some parts of the country this morning, following heavy rain overnight.

Met Éireann has issued a weather warning as up to 50 millimetres of rain has fallen during the past 24 hours.

The east and midlands have been worst affected.

Lisa Holland of AA Roadwatch has this advice when driving through flood patches on the road.

Ms Holland said: "When faced with excess surface water or flooding on roads, only drive through water if you know it is not too depp for your car.

"Allow oncoming traffic to pass first and test your brakes as soon as you can after leaving the water."
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More follows.....