Axing of mobility payments for the diasbled causes outrage

Disability Federation are warning that the effect of the cut could mean isolation for people with disabilities

The Ombudsman, Emily O'Reilly, says she's disappointed at a government decision to cut mobility payments to 5,000 disabled people, in response to a ruling from her office.

The Department of Health last night confirmed that it was axing the Mobility Allowance and Motorised Transport Grant with immediate effect.

It's prompted an angry reaction from disability support groups, but the government says it had no choice after the Ombudsman found the scheme was in breach of equality legislation, as it discriminated against the over 65s.

The Disability Federation of Ireland says the Mobility Allowance is means tested and is mostly paid to people who live on a disabillity allowance of under €190 a week.

 

Pope Benedict will hold the last audience of his pontificate today

It takes place in St Peter's Square today ahead of his resignation tomorrow.

Tens of thousands of pilgrims are expected at the Vatican to bid a final farewell to the 85-year-old pope.

The 85-year-old steps down tomorrow having declared he was too weak in body and mind to keep up with the modern world.

50,000 people have tickets for the event but city authorities have prepared for 200,000. The weekly audience, which is being held in St Peter's Square will begin at around 9.30am Irish time.

Ahead of his resignation tomorrow Benedict will be brought by helicopter to the papal summer residence of Castel Gandolfo near Rome where he will begin a life out of the public eye.

 

Leading economist says Ireland needs to implement debt write downs for struggling mortgage holders

Chief Economics Commentator with the Financial Times Martin Wolf says both the banks and the Government need to accept losses - in order to clean up the balance sheets of the country's financial institutions.

He says the decision to bailout all of the creditors of the banks was a mistake - and there must be some write down of mortgage debt.

European Commission to announce decision on Ryanair's third bid for Aer Lingus today

It's expected the EC will reject Micheal O'Leary's €694 million bid.

Ryanair said earlier this month that it's information suggested the EU was planning to block its takeover attempt for the airline, in which it holds a nearly 30 percent stake.

Our business editor Ian Guider says Ryanair is likely to appeal today's decision, if it doesn't go their way.

Guidewire Software announces 75 new jobs for its centre in Blanchardstown

The company, which provides software solutions to the insurance industry, was started in Silicon Valley but set up its Dublin branch two years ago.

The jobs announcement today will bring to 125 the number of people the company expects to employ in Ireland.

Niall Lalor, who leads the Guidewire Services Centre, outlines the type of people they are looking for to join the team: