A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Lundin Mining records profits of $21.5m

Lundin Mining, the Swedish company that took over the operation of the Galmoy mine in Co Kilkenny last year, said sales and profits soared in the first quarter of this year after production increased and metals prices rose. The Canadian-listed company yesterday released its figures for the first three months of this year, showing net profit of $21.5 million, compared with $2.9 million a year earlier.

Sales meanwhile almost tripled to $91.8 million. As well as increased production and higher metals prices, Lundin's figures also benefited from the acquisition of Arcon in the second quarter of 2005. This acquisition gave Lundin control of the Galmoy mine.

Lundin said earlier this year that it had extended its drilling programme at the Galmoy mine after discovering significant new mineralisation.

Yesterday, the group said that production during the first quarter at the mine was in line with the same period last year, but lower than the fourth quarter of 2005.

Anglo Irish Bank appoints director

Anne Heraty has been appointed a non-executive director of Anglo Irish Bank. Ms Heraty, who started the recruitment and outsourcing agency CPL Resources PLC in 1989, is also a non-executive director of Bord Na Móna, Forfás and the University of Maynooth.

Newcourt to buy management firm

The outsourced and support service company, Newcourt Group plc, has acquired BSFM Facilities Management Ltd for €4.75 million, of which, nearly €4.5 million will be paid in cash. The acquisition from the Bruce Shaw Group will also include an issue of more than 182,000 new ordinary shares in Newcourt that will cover the remaining amount. Application for the issue will be made on the IEX and the London Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Pensions fund signs UN accord

The National Pensions Reserve Fund (NPRF) joined institutions from 16 other countries in signing the UN's principles for responsible investment at its launch at the New York Stock Exchange Thursday.

The principles seek to make institutions consider environmental social and governance issues before investing in a company.

NPRF will become "a more engaged shareholder" in the companies it invests in, said the fund's chairman Paul Carty.

The fund handles over €16 billion for the Government.

ICS upbeat on housing market

The ICS Building Society told shareholders at its annual general meeting that the Irish housing market outlook remained positive.

"I'm optimistic but realistic," Joe Larkin managing director, of the Bank of Ireland-controlled mortgage lender, said.

The market is "well underpinned" by the strong performance of key economic indicators, Mr Larkin said.

He pointed to an "almost full employment" rate, an increase in disposable income and a growing population fuelled by migration to the Republic.

He added that he would like to see property price inflation slow.

CRH chief makes profit of €160,500

CRH chief financial officer Myles Lee has recorded a paper profit of €160,500 after exercising share options in the firm. Mr Lee exercised options over 10,000 shares at €13.15. CRH closed at €29.20 last night.

Horizon director raises €196,000

Horizon Technology chief executive Charles Garvey has raised €196,000 by selling shares in the company. Mr Garvey sold 200,000 shares at 98 cent yesterday.