Morning Ireland

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Criticism over axing of mobility allowance and transport grants to new applicants

John Dolan, the CEO of the Disability Federation of Ireland, is concerned about when a viable alternative to the Mobility Allowance and the Motorised Transport Grant will be established.

Mobility allowance and motorised transport scheme were operated illegally

Emily O'Reilly, Ombudsman, explains that the schemes contravened the Equal Status Act because they excluded applicants over 66 years.

Government defends decision to cut mobility allowance

Kathleen Lynch, Minister of State with responsibility for Disability, Older People, Equality & Mental Health, explains why the Government has cut the mobility allowance

EU fish discards ban to be phased in from 2014

Simon Coveney, Minister for Agriculture, Food & the Marine, details on the new fisheries agreement which was reached overnight

Government announces end of Bank Guarantee

Stephen Kinsella, Lecturer in Economics at the University of Limerick, says yesterday's announcement was a strategic move by the Finance Minister.

Bank Guarantee scheme to end

Eamon Walsh, Professor of Accounting at UCD, says that the good news is that Irish taxpayers are no longer on the hook for new debt that is issued by banks

Pope Benedict to deliver his final address

Joe Little, RTÉ Religious Correspondent, reports live from Rome as the Pope prepares for his final public event.

Pilgrims flock to Rome for Pope's farewell

Fran McNulty reports from Rome as international pilgrims gather for Pope Benedict's final public address at St Peter's Square in Vatican City this morning.

Lukewarm welcome for new Climate Action Bill

Professor John Sweeney, climatologist and president of An Taisce, says the new Climate Action Bill is a toothless document without targets

Proposes sale of harvesting rights of over one million acres of Coillte forests

Christopher McKevitt reports on last night Dáil debate on a United Left Alliance motion that the sale would be an act of vandalism.

First increase in music sale revenues for 14 years

Alex Jacob, Communications manager with the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, says global sales figures show the first increase in music revenues for 14 years with digital revenues now accounting for 34% of sales

New Croke Park proposal document published

Martin Frawley, Industrial Relations journalist, says the Croke Park II agreement will be difficult to sell but the unions can do it.

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