THE under-30s have masterminded a conspiracy to have people believe that technology is more complicated than it really is. That’s according to 70-year-old rugby pundit and technophile George Hook, who yesterday went to the epicentre of Dublin’s computer heartland — Google — to encourage more over-50s to crack the internet. Launching this year’s Silver Surfer...Read More

One of the country’s best-known five-star hotels, Dromoland Castle, recorded a pre-tax profit last year. New returns show that Dromoland Castle (Holdings) Ltd recorded the €51,839 pre-tax profit after sustaining a pre-tax loss of €53,569 in 2010. The Co Clare hotel returned to pre-tax profit after revenues increased by 3pc from €10.9m to €11.3m in...Read More

THERE are growing fears that Ulster Bank is positioning itself to eventually exit the Republic of Ireland market after admitting it may seek to be regulated in the UK and is planning to shut some branches here. Ulster Bank has strongly denied that the developments are part of a move out of the Republic, but...Read More

CRACKS caused by the mineral pyrite have appeared on the walls of every room in Niamh Byrne and Richard Feely’s home. The married couple were first-time buyers when they took the plunge in 2003 and bought their home in Thornchase in Rush, north Dublin. Two years later, the first cracks appeared in the hall, and...Read More

Ulster Bank is likely to have to shell out in excess of €60m to compensate customers for the mess surrounding the collapse of its IT systems. Some 600,000 people have been hit by the computer crash. The bank is planning to refund all fees and charges imposed as a result of the IT breakdown as...Read More

A FISHERMAN who landed almost 600 items of clothing from a Florida store has been taken to court here by an American clothing giant — after he set up a replica shop. Max Kulczynski has agreed to return the branded clothing — thought to be worth at least €10,000 — to the American brand Abercrombie...Read More

T will be next week before Ulster Bank manages to fix its collapsed computer systems, resulting in further chaos for tens of thousands of customers. The unprecedented information technology breakdown — which has resulted in payments to thousands of people failing — has now entered its third day. Ulster Bank has now admitted that the...Read More

A MAN who fell three metres while helping to fix tiles on his brother’s roof has settled his High Court action for damages for €750,000. Patrick Rayner, Kiltankin, Kilbehenny, Mitchelstown, Co Cork, suffered serious head injuries when he slipped in stormy weather during the accident in December 2008. Approving the settlement, Ms Justice Mary Irvine...Read More

NAMA has failed in an effort to block a payment of “costs” to a Limerick law firm whose owners owe the toxic bank €323m. The law firm is owned by Paul O’Brien who owes NAMA a massive €288m, according to documents filed at the High Court; his legal and business partner Denis McMahon owes NAMA...Read More

One-third of pregnant workers have experienced discrimination in the workplace, writes Anita Guidera Elizabeth had spent 10 years building up a career in financial services when she became pregnant. “It was something we both really wanted but my one reservation was the effect it might have on my career.” Her worst fears materialised when the...Read More