More news in brief.
President says adaptability is key in downturn
The ability to adapt will be crucial in overcoming the economic challenges that will face Ireland and its European neighbours in the coming years, President Mary McAleese said yesterday.
President McAleese said the months and years ahead "will be a test of us all individually and collectively", following a remarkable period of growth.
"Education and training will be important elements in our capacity to ride out these stormy times," she added, "not just in terms of enhancing our ability to face increased economic competition and equip ourselves to be part of the world-class knowledge based economy that we and the EU aspire to be.
"At the human level, in terms of personal fulfilment, there is much to be said for seeking personal satisfaction in acquiring knowledge and skills rather than acquiring things."
Ms McAleese told delegates at the general assembly for the European Association of Education for Adults at the Grand Hotel in Malahide, Dublin, that adults who returned to education were finding pathways to a "considerably improved" quality of life.
"They are a pathway to social inclusion for those with literacy or language difficulties. They open up career options. They inspire new talents, new pastimes. They confer confidence and credibility."
Two die in Kildare, Limerick crashes
Two men died in road crashes in Kildare and Limerick on Sunday night, bringing the weekend road death toll to six.
A two-car collision in Laraghbyran, Maynooth, at about 10pm killed the 33-year-old driver of one of the cars. The other driver was seriously injured and was taken to Connolly Hospital in Blanchardstown.
In Co Limerick, a man (21) died after the vehicle he was driving crashed at Caheragh, Glin at about 9.20pm. Three passengers sustained minor injuries.
Elsewhere, gardaí have named the man who died in a collision in Ballynacargy, Co Westmeath, on October 18th.
Kevin Rocke (36) from Ballynacargy died when his four-wheel drive hit a post at the front of a house at Slanemore, Ballynacargy.