A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Fixed State contracts will 'drive up costs'
New Government contracts for infrastructure will drive up the cost of the €184 billion National Development Plan and delay its completion, according to the building industry, writes Barry O'Halloran.
The Government is introducing fixed lump-sum contracts for road, rail and other projects that are paid for by the taxpayer.
But the Construction Industry Federation said Government demands for a final price in advance of work beginning would force contractors to overestimate costs as insurance against unforeseen risks.
Up to now, contractors and the State have agreed a base price for public projects, with the proviso that the Government would cover the cost of unforeseen risks.
Bill to protect credit-union savings
Independent Senator Joe O'Toole has published a Private Member's Bill which would provide statutory protection for the savings of credit-union depositors.
Credit unions would be obliged to contribute 2 per cent of eligible savings to a new company, which would make compensation payments to depositors if a credit union failed.
The proposal was welcomed by the Credit Union Development Association, a breakaway body from the Irish League of Credit Unions which argues that the league's existing savings protection scheme is not an appropriate vehicle because its primary function is the protection of credit unions.
Pension governance reforms proposed
In a report issued yesterday, the Pensions Board said that the trust model of pension fund governance should be retained as it continues to offer protection to pension schemes.
However, the board recommended that pension scheme administrators should be registered and supervised. Service-level agreements between trustees and administrators should also be made compulsory, it said. The importance of trustee training was also highlighted in the report.
Brendan Kennedy, chief executive of the Pensions Board, said these recommendations were designed to "enhance administration standards".
New devices for TV licence inspectors
An Post is seeking a service provider to develop and supply handheld terminals for use by its TV licence inspectors as it ups its game in enforcing TV licence renewal.
The new technology will streamline procedures for inspectors, according to an An Post spokesman. "It's in its early stages but it is something that will enable inspectors to carry out their jobs more efficiently."
As An Post is seeking expressions of interest, he said it was too early to provide details of the various functions of the technology, such as if inspectors can issue renewals to licence holders.
Pensions reserve fund appointment
Minister for Finance Brian Cowen announced the appointment of Maurice Keane to the National Pensions Reserve Fund Commission yesterday.
Mr Keane is a former chief executive and member of the court of directors of Bank of Ireland.
The Minister said Mr Keane's extensive experience and ability would be a "formidable asset" to the commission.
Philanthropist awards announced
The Community Foundation for Ireland has launched the inaugural Philanthropist of the Year Awards.
As well as a national award for philanthropic work undertaken in the State, an award for international philanthropy will also be made.
