iWitness news
Examiner Appointed To Aer Arann
The High Court has appointed an examiner to Aer Arann which is insolvent with ongoing debts of 10 million euro.
A report by the interim examiner is broadly optimistic for the future of the regional airline, which employs 315 people.
Aer Arann believes it can return to profitability next year after suffering losses of 18 million euro since 2008.
A quarter of those losses are blamed on the volcanic ashcloud earlier this year.
The airline believes by focusing on its profitable routes it can increase yields by 6% next year and 2% thereafter with passenger numbers predicted to rise by 37 per cent from 2011.
Since interim examiner Michael McAteer was appointed, 14 parties have expressed an interest in investing in the company.
None of its creditors which include AIB and the Dublin Airport Authority are objecting to ongoing court protection which was today granted by Ms Justice Mary Finlay Geoghegan following a hearing.
Minister Says Taxpayers Are Priority With Anglo
The Cabinet is being briefed by the Finance Minister on the future plans for Anglo Irish Bank.
Brian Lenihan will also update his colleagues on the 2 days of discussions with officials from the European Commission on the Government proposals for the bank.
The Anglo Chairman Alan Dukes says an announcement about the future of the state owned bank is expected later today.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport Mary Hanafin spoke in advance of the Cabinet meeting.
She says whatever decision is taken it will be in the interest of the taxpayers.
"Dealing with with Anglo in a way that minimises the cost to the taxpayer is something that we are working through with the advice from the European Commission" she said.
"We have to protect the taxpayer's interest and the depositors interest".
"That is certainly one issue that will be dominating our thoughts over the next few weeks" she added.
Concern Over High Male Suicide Rate
The Samaritans say the rate of suicide among men over 30 is increasing rapidly because of the recession.
It has launched a new campaign aimed at men in their 30s, 40s and 50s who are finding it hard to cope with financial and emotional problems.
527 people took their own lives last year and men are 4-times more likely to do so than women.
But the Minister for Mental Health John Moloney is warning there is no extra money on the way to deal with the high suicide rate in Ireland.
"I don't want to give any false hope to people except to say this: I'll not be getting extra money" he said.
"I want to use what I have to prioritise the areas that are so obvious for us to begin our initial campaign".
"That's first of all the See Change campaign backed up by the early intervention supports".
"That's where I see us moving to deal specifically with the high instances of suicide" he added.
Scientists Identify Dance Moves Attractive To Women
For many men the thought of taking to the dance floor brings them out in a cold sweat.
But scientists may have identified the moves that will attract women.
Psychologists at Northumbria University say waving arms around is not considered sexy.
It is thought women subliminally judge potential partners for health, vigour or strength.
Choreographer Supple from the TV show 'Got to Dance' says it can be nerve-wracking.
"If you're going to be displaying yourself in front of anybody - whether it's one or two or a million people - all of a sudden you become vulnerable" he said.
"And if people take the mickey of you in a way that you don't like to or or don't expect to then of course you're going to take offence to (it)" he added.
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