national

National News Briefs

Charity: Third of people worried about becoming homeless

New figures from the Simon Community show that one in three Irish people are worried about becoming homeless, because of problems fulfilling payments or mortgages.

Concern amongst the public about the growing number of people becoming homeless stands at almost 40%, double what it was two years ago.

The research is being published by the Simon Community to mark the launch of Simon Week 2012.

National Spokesperson for the charity, Niamh Randall, has said people have become more vulnerable because of job losses and housing pressures.
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ESRI figures see rise in breastfeeding

The rate of breastfeeding in Ireland has risen by at least 7% since 2005, new research from the ESRI has shown.

This is mainly due to the increasing maternal age, and the growing share of mothers from Eastern Europe.

However, Irish breastfeeding rates still lag far behind EU standards with just over half of mothers here breastfeeding, compared to more than 90% in Scandinavian countries.
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Group to protest €1bn payment to unsecured AIB bondholders

A demonstration will be held in Dublin later to protest against the handing over of a further €1bn to unsecured AIB bondholders today.

The rally at midday is being organised by the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes.

Campaigners said the Government should not be "intimidating people into paying the household tax while continuing to write cheques for bondholders".

Spokesperson and Socialist Party Councillor Ruth Coppinger said the €1bn being paid to bondholders is the equivalent of 10 million household taxes.
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Social Justice Ireland to unveil alternative budget

Social Justice Ireland will reveal its alternative budget today in an effort to influence the Government ahead of Budget Day in December.

The group says 'Budget Choices' is a fully costed document for 2013.

It said it outlines how the Government could protect the less well off in society while also providing investment to stimulate economic recovery and slash borrowing by €3.5bn in line with Ireland's bailout agreement.
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Dublin Archbishop to launch sacrament guidelines

The Archdiocese of Dublin will today reveal details of new guidelines covering a child's First Communion and First Confession.

The document proposes changes for schools, families and parishes who are preparing children for the sacraments.

It is expected it will place more emphasis on attending mass during that time, and encourage more parental involvement in the process.

The Archbishop of Dublin, Doctor Diarmuid Martin, will be on hand to launch the document this afternoon.
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Young woman in hospital after being knocked down in Kilkenny

An 18-year-old woman is in hospital after being knocked down in Kilkenny last night.

She was struck while crossing the Main Street of Gowran at 8.45pm.

The young woman was taken to Saint Luke's Hospital in Kilkenny and is said to be in a serious condition.

The road was closed for a time to allow a forensic examination to take place, but has since re-opened.

Any witnesses to the incident are being asked to contact Gardaí in Kilkenny.
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