THE EU summit in Dublin reached a successful conclusion with agreement on steady progress towards monetary union and an equally rigorous statement of commitment to the joint fight against crime. There was high praise from member-states for Ireland's handling of the presidency.
The Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, rejected a call for the disbandment of the Blood Transfusion Service Board over the hepatitis C and HIV disclosures. He said it was essential "to maintain confidence in the board and its continued ability to sustain an adequate blood supply."
Monday
The latest Irish Times/MRBI poll showed that only 21 per cent of Catholics follow the teaching of their church when it comes to making "serious moral decisions", compared to 78 per cent who follow their own consciences. The majority of those polled, 69 per cent, said that "in 20 years time Ireland will be Catholic in name, but only a minority will be practising their Catholicism".
Progress was made by the Irish EU Presidency on resolving Europe's dispute with the US over Cuba at a summit meeting in Washington. Both sides also moved to virtual agreement on joint action to combat drug trafficking.
The Opposition strongly criticised a 12-month delay on the long-awaited Freedom of Information Bill to allow Departments and public bodies to prepare for the new climate of openness. Proposing the legislation, the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Ms Eithne Fitzgerald, said the Bill will become law in the lifetime of this Government.
Mr John Furze, the Cayman Islands banker believed to be named in bank accounts into which Mr Ben Dunne paid up to £1.1 million, said he had never met Mr Dunne, nor would he know him "if I tripped over him".
Tuesday
Arrangements were announced for an optional HIV testing programme aimed at the tens of thousands of people who received blood products between the start of 1981 and October 1985, the Minister for Health, Mr Noonan, told the Dail The Minister said a number of blood "issues" contaminated by the HIV virus remain untraced.
President Clinton gave his backing to the Taoiscach's view that Sinn Fein should be admitted rap idly to talks once an IRA ceasefire is restored. He also indicated that having talks without Sinn Fein could not lead to peace and he paid tribute to the loyalists "for holding the ceasefire".
Twelve Dublin men appeared at Kilmainham District Court charged with the manslaughter last May of AIDS-infected drug user Mr Josie Dwyer. Meanwhile, Regina Felloni, daughter of drugs baron Tony Felloni, was jailed for six years and nine months by Dublin Circuit Criminal Court on heroin charges.
A reduction in the top rate of income tax is not expected in the next Budget, sources close to the national pay talks revealed.
Wednesday
The Dail passed a Bill increasing State funding to political parties to £1,746,000 annually, in allowances to party leaders.
The British Prime Minister, Mr John Major, acknowledged that the North talks process is at a standstill. On his traditional Christmas visit to Northern Ireland, he also conceded that he could not guarantee an end to the conflict "in the near future".
Environmental groups criticised the Environmental Protection Agency far giving the go-ahead to a £13 million toxic waste incinerator in Co Clare.
Thursday
Former minister Mr Michael Lowry admitted that he had made an incomplete declaration of his tax affairs to the Taoiseach on assuming office two years ago. In a 45-minute personal statement, he explained to the Dail the circumstances surrounding the payments of £208,000 by Dunnes Stores to build an extension to his Tipperary home in 1993.
He rejected the claim by Dunnes Stores that payments for alterations to his home amounted to £395,188. He also stated that the work on his house was income for professional advice and services and not a loan.
The contentious Residential Property Tax as well as water and sewerage charges will be abolished, the Government confirmed. The Minister for the Environment, Mr Howlin, said the proceeds of motor tax will be allocated to local authorities instead of the domestic rates. In announcing the removal of the RPT, the Minister for Finance, Mr Quinn, said stamp duty will be increased from 6 per cent to 9 per cent on residential properties valued at £150,000 or over.
The Combat Poverty Agency called for the present talks on a new national agreement to include specific measures to tackle poverty. The demand followed the publication of an ESRI survey showing that the number of people below the poverty line has remained much the same over the past decade.
The SDLP leader, Mr John Hume, indicated he is prepared to act as a guarantor for the credibility of a future IRA ceasefire. After meeting loyalist and IRA prisoners, he said that with a positive response from Mr Major a ceasefire was still possible.