A round-up of other home news in brief
Protest over Presbyterian Mutual Society
Savers with the Presbyterian Mutual Society protested outside the opening session of the church’s annual assembly in Belfast last night.
They are angry at what they see as an inadequate response by the church to the crisis in the mutual society which had its funds frozen last autumn. The incoming Moderator said the crisis was grave enough to threaten the unity of the Presbyterian Church itself.
N ew rules for work permits
New rules which make it more difficult for non-EEA workers to obtain Irish work permits came into force yesterday.
The changes apply primarily to first-time entrants to the labour market.
Under the new arrangements, permits will not be granted for jobs paying under €30,000 per annum. Permits will also not be given for a number of professions including domestic workers and HGV drivers.
In addition, the length of time that employers have to advertise jobs will be increased. Tougher conditions on renewals mean that before a non-EU permit can be reissued, the job will have to be re-advertised to ensure there is still no suitable EEA candidate for the post. This will only apply to permits issued from yesterday.
Former Ictu president dies
Former Labour party senator and president of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions Dominic Murphy died yesterday, aged 91.
Mr Murphy, originally from Cork, worked in CIÉ and served as general secretary of the Transport Salaried Staff’s Association. He was president of Ictu in 1956 and served as a Labour party senator from 1954 to 1967.
Mr Murphy who lived in Clontarf, Dublin was subsequently appointed to the Labour Court.
Strike on Cape Clear ferry
SIPTU has served notice of a one day strike this Thursday on the Cape Clear Ferry, Naomh Ciaran II, in protest at pay cuts. The stoppage on the west Cork ferry will last from 8.30am until 7pm.