A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
C of I bishop warns on reconciliation
There is a real danger that people in Ireland are not taking reconciliation and forgiveness seriously, the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, the Most Rev John Neill, has said.
In a new year message, he expressed the wish for 2007 "that we will move forward in hope on this island, but that we will pause to ensure that we are building on firm foundations".
The president of the Methodist Church, the Rev Ivan McElhinney, expressed the hope that "devolution will be firmly planted and grow in the North, bringing normality and further economic prosperity".
On Monday, New Year's Day, the Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, will preside at a special 11am Mass in St Patrick's church, Ringsend, to mark World Day of Peace.
Fuel, electricity allowances go up
More than 500,000 welfare recipients will benefit from increased fuel and electricity allowances announced yesterday by Minister for Social Affairs Séamus Brennan.
Under new measures, effective in January, the weekly fuel allowance will increase by €4, while the number of free units of electricity will increase from 1,800 to 2,400 a year.
The income threshold for eligibility has also been increased, from €51 to €100 a week. A further 8,000 people will qualify for the fuel allowance or the smokeless fuel supplement.
Pedestrian killed in Wicklow
A pedestrian was killed yesterday morning when he was a hit by a car in Co Wicklow. Oliver O'Toole (54), Shankill, Dublin, died after he was hit at Scratnagh near Arklow at about 3.25am. Gardaí from Arklow are investigating. His death brings the number of road deaths this year to 365.
West-Link tolls new year increase
Toll increases on Dublin's West-Link will not come into effect until the new year, despite signs announcing the higher rates being put in place yesterday.
National Toll Roads said the decision to put up the signs early was taken "because you won't get people to do that at midnight on New Year's Eve".
From Tuesday, car tolls are up 10 cent to €1.90; vans and light commercials €3.30 (up 20c); two-axle vehicles over two tonnes €4.70 (up 20c); three-axle vehicles over two tonnes €5.40 (up 20c); and four-axle vehicles and over €5.90 (up 30c).
Vomiting bug in Cork hospitals
Two hospitals in Cork city have placed restrictions on visitors because of an outbreak of the winter vomiting virus. At Cork University Hospital two wards have been affected and all visitors are being advised to check with hospital staff before visiting.
St Finbarr's Hospital has also closed two wards. The Health Service Executive South is monitoring the situation. Anyone with a concern in relation to visiting is asked to contact the nursing sister on the hospital ward they intend to visit or to ring the hospital.
The winter vomiting bug, known as small rounded structured viruses (SRSV), usually causes short-lasting outbreaks of abdominal pain and nausea followed by diarrhoea and/or vomiting.
It is usually quite mild but can be unpleasant and debilitating in small children or older people who are already sick.