... Business

• ISEQ shows gain

The ISEQ index of Irish shares bucked some international trends today, showing a modest but welcome gain of 15.03 points to finish the day on 3,023.73.

---

• Cost of living rising again

The cost of living rose in February for the first time in 14 months, official figures revealed today.

---

• IT company to create 10 new jobs

IT company Datapac is to create 10 new jobs in its Dublin and Wexford bases, the company said today.

---

• Tyrone Crystal to close

Tyrone Crystal has confirmed that it is closing its factory in Dungannon with the loss of 31 jobs.

---

• Origin half-year profits down 28%

Animal feed and food production specialist Origin has reported a 28% drop in half year profit to €10.2m.

---

• Frankfurt market up

FRANKFURT: the DAX 30 closed up 50.8 at 5936.7.

---

• Co-op urged to reject Kerry buy-out

The board of Newmarket Co-op has been urged to reject any further takeover bid from the Kerry Group.

---

• Kavanagh appointed Irish Times MD

The board of The Irish Times today has announced the appointment of Liam Kavanagh as managing director with immediate effect.

---

• MEPs demand Robin Hood tax on banks

MEPs today called for an EU “Robin Hood tax” on rich banks to help fund development policies for the poor.

---

• Northern Rock makes 16m bonus payout as it cuts losses

Northern Rock today said it was paying staff £14.9m (€16.3m) in bonuses after losses narrowed last year.

---

• Cowen: Impossible to overturn high rent leases

The Taoiseach Brian Cowen said today it was impossible to overthrow controversial shop leases struck during the boom years which bar rent reductions.

---

• Ryan fears for future of levy-hit radio sector

The Communications Minister Eamon Ryan has said he is concerned about the impact that a levy on broadcasters will have on jobs in the independent radio sector.

---

• Merkel: Proposed EMF would require new treaty

German chancellor Angela Merkel believes the proposed formation of a new agency to provide financial help to EU member states would require an amendment to the Lisbon Treaty.

---

• Prospect of class action lawsuit adds to Toyota worries

US Toyota owners have filed dozens of group lawsuits claiming that massive safety recalls have hammered the value of their cars in an action that could cost the company more than £2bn.

---

• INM raises 42m by selling Indian publisher

Independent News and Media has raised €42m by selling part of its stake in Indian publisher Jagran Prakashan.

---

• Aer Lingus delays earnings report

Aer Lingus has confirmed it will not be publishing its 2009 earnings tomorrow as scheduled.

---

• Dow and FTSE hold steady

America’s Dow Jones Industrial Average clung to its opening mark today after the rally seen last week following better-than-expected US unemployment figures and a wave of mergers and acquisitions.

---

• New CFO at SR Technics

Angelo Quabba has been appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of SR Technics, the company announced today.

---

• Jobs report boosts US market

Stocks in New York rose today after the government’s employment report showed fewer jobs were cut in February than expected.

---

• Meteor CEO leaves as eircom restructures

Eircom has today announced a number of organisational changes which has seen Meteor CEO Larry Smith leave the company.

---