LIMERICK SCHOOL LEADS THE WAY FOR NEW JUNIOR CERT SUBJECTS

24 May 2013

Chinese language, games development and sports science, are just some of the subjects that will be offered to students as part of the new Junior Cert programme.

And a school in county Limerick is leading the way.

Check out what the students of Coláiste Chiaráin think of the new subjects by clicking the link above to stoday's programme.

LEINSTER v ULSTER

24 May 2013

Leinster and Ulster have named their sides for Saturday's Rabo Direct Pro12 final against Ulster.

Brian O 'Driscoll returns to start alongside Ian Madigan at center for Leinster while Isa Nacewa and Jonathan Sexton will both make their final Leinster appearances.

Kevin McLaughlin returns to the back-row in place of Sean O'Brien who has failed to recover from a knee injury.

Leo Cullen, Cian Healy and Richardt Strauss also return to the starting line up.

For Ulster Prop John Afoa will start at tighthead in the only change to the Ulster team that defeated the Scarlets a fortnight ago

News2day Guide to Public Sector Pay!

23 May 2013

Trade unions have been meeting to discuss new proposals on public sector pay.

The Haddington Road Agreement, which was published today, follows the rejection by unions of Croke Park 2.

If you're not sure what any of that means, don't worry because we've got the low-down!

WHAT'S THE PUBLIC SECTOR?

Hundreds of thousands of people work in the Irish public sector. That means they work for, and are paid by, the State.

Teachers, Gardaí, doctors and nurses are all among those working in the public sector.

WHAT'S A TRADE UNION?

Every worker is entitled to join a trade union - organisations who negotiate on behalf of workers for higher pay and better working conditions.

When pay is cut or they feel they're getting a bad deal, members of a union can vote to take what's called industrial action - like a strike, when people stop working in protest.

WHAT ARE THE PAY DEALS?

Back in 2010, the Government decided it needed to reduce its pay bill. They reached an agreement with unions which is often called the Croke Park Agreement.

Now, that agreement is nearing the end so they've been negotiating a new pay deal with trade unions.

That deal was published today and is called the Haddington Road Agreement.

Unions will now vote on whether or not to accept the proposals contained in the agreement.