Some of the changes, including a cut in the number of uncertified sick leave days that public servants can take from 7 days in one year, to 7 days over two years, will be brought in as soon as possible.
Other recommendations, including a change in the number of certified sick leave days that can be taken – from 6 months on full pay, followed by 6 months on half pay, to 3 months on full pay, followed by 3 months on half pay – are to be introduced from the 1st of January, 2014.
style="text-align: left;"> style="text-align: left;">The Tanaiste says an IMF recommendation to cut social welfare payments is not something the government has to follow.Eamon Gilmore says a suggestion yesterday from the International Monetary Fund that medical cards, and child benefit should be means tested is not something which has to be considered in next years budget.
The IMF wants means-testing for child benefit payments and cutting the cost of medical cards in order to save the government money.
But Eamon Gilmore told Sinn Fein in the Dail that the suggestion is not something the government has to act on.
style="text-align: left;"> style="text-align: left;">Its claimed, the Health Minister knew for 5 days that the Chief Executive of the HSE planned to resign but told neither the Taoiseach nor Tánaiste./>
/> Labour Party Chief Whip, Emmett Stagg has criticised the minister for not informing his coalition partners of the development.
Yesterday, Cathal Magee announced his intention to step down less than half way through his 5 year contract, because of changes Minister James Reilly is to make to the structure of the Health Service.
style="text-align: left;"> style="text-align: left;">The National Treasury Management Agency says the interest rate for long term Irish debt is moving towards sustainable levels.The NTMA says the yields being sought for 10 year bonds are down sharply at over 6% – compared to more than 15 per cent this time last year.
The agency plans to hold 3 or 4 more short term maturing debt auctions this year – similar to the sale earlier this month of 3 month Treasury Bills – which raised 500 million euro.
However the NTMA says a full return to the international markets remains dependent on several factors – including an honouring of the bailout deal and a resolution of the eurozone debt crisis.
A new study suggests that social media has become more addictive than cigarettes and alcohol.
Counsellors are reporting a rise in internet and social media addiction.
One counsellor here says the desire to use Facebook and other social media sites is affecting young peoples personal relationships, studies and often their jobs.
Eoin Stephens, a member of the Irish Association for Counselling and Psycotheraphy says many people find it impossible to put their mobile down even when out on a first date.
