METRO Tuesday, November 10, 2009 D METRODigest AID agency Concern Worldwide has appealed to people to go hungry for one day to raise funds for the poorest people in the world. The agency wants to collect more than 1million for children struggling to survive through its 40th annual Christmas Fast on December 3. More than 250,000 people have taken part in the event over the last four decades, with thousands more expected to take part this year. Fast co-ordinator Natalie MacDermot said the Irish public has always supported the cause. Its a challenging way to raise funds, but one that is always rewarding, said Ms MacDermot, adding that funds are urgently needed to tackle crises in slums across the world. Public urged to fast for worlds poor SWINE flu vaccinations will soon be available to young children as well as people aged 65 and over. The HSE will this week start writing to parents of the next priority group, children aged from six months to under five years, to inform them when to bring their child in for their vaccine. Parents of children in this group will receive letters throughout November and early December. People aged 65 and over will begin to be invited over the coming fortnight. The move is part of the phased roll-out of the H1N1 virus vaccine to the Irish population. Since the campaign began last week, more than 30,000 people in the first at-risk groups have been vaccinated by the HSE and local GPs. Flu vaccinations move on to next level A PASTOR at a church in the US has found a way to attract new worshippers by offering a pet service. The Rev Tom Eggebeen at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles hit upon the idea to turn Gods house into a doghouse with a weekly service with doggie beds, canine prayers and an offering of dog treats. Pet blessings and services are part of a growing trend among US churches, including one in a Boston suburb called Woof n Worship. CUTS to third-level education will hamper economic recovery, a college leader warned yesterday. Dublin City University (DCU) president Professor Ferdinand Von Prondzynski (pictured) criticised money-saving measures proposed by An Bord Snip Nua and claimed learning institutions were key to the countrys recovery. Speaking at a DCU graduation ceremony, Prof Von Prondzynski said decision-makers failed to fully grasp the role of universities in Ireland. The strength of our universities are the main instrument we have for national recovery, he said. Warning over education cuts NURSES were last night the latest group of angry public sector workers to vote for industrial action over threatened Government cuts. The Irish Nurses Organisation (INO) said 85 per cent of members voted in favour of work stoppages to protect existing pay and conditions of employment. The union said the nationwide ballot has given it the mandate to have nurses withdraw from labour while maintaining all essential and emergency services. Two years ago, nurses staged a seven-week dispute over pay and conditions. INO general secretary Liam Doran said the strength of the latest vote confirms the depth of anger and concern among nurses and midwives. Nurses vote for strike over pay cuts Models Louise Kavanagh and Aisling Pugh promote Iarnrd ireanns European Rail deals yesterday. Football fans can fly or travel by ferry to several European destinations and then travel on by train to Paris Picture: Conor McCabe METROE-MAIL US AT: mail@metroireland.ie What do you think of whats going on in the news? Or do you have a witty view on the bizarre little things in life? We want to hear from you for Irelands liveliest letters page TELL But Aer Lingus said the decline in fares had levelled off, and an 8.5 per cent spike in sales per pas- senger on extra charges for short- haul flights, such as checked-in baggage and advanced seat book- ing, also helped. Chief executive Christophe Mu- eller, who joined in September, is leading a major overhaul and cost-cutting drive to steer the company back to profit. About 676 staff are being let go and the group is also changing its pension arrangements under the first phase of his turnaround plan, over which it is currently in talks with unions a process it hopes to resolve by November 18. In total, Aer Lingus aims to shave about 97million off its an- nual cost base. It signalled yesterday the focus would remain on cost-cutting as recession pressures were also hampering the sectors recovery. Cost increases in the form of higher fuel prices, airport and navigation charges together with further expected gross domestic declines and unemployment in- creases in our major markets, will mean that we must continue to reduce any costs within our con- trol so that we can cope with con- tinued falling fares, compete and maintain balance-sheet strength, said Aer Lingus. However, it added that actions taken to remove capacity on un- der-performing parts of the net- work has had a positive impact on stabilising load factors and yields while reducing operating costs. While the fall in yield year on year continues, the pace of de- cline in average fares does not ap- pear to be accelerating currently. Aer Lingus has been hit by fall- ing fares as it competes with ri- vals such as Ryanair to attract passengers, while rising fuel costs have also affected results. The group reported losses of 93million for the first half of 2009 almost four times the fig- ure for the same period last year. Revenue at Aer Lingus down despite growthBy HOLLy WILLIAMS EMBATTLED airlineAer Lingus yesterday reported a further slide in revenues, but said performance was stabilising after efforts to cut aircraft and capacity. The Dublin-based carrier, which last month unveiled plans to cut a fifth of its workforce, announced it was stripping out another plane from its long-haul service, to trim 2010 capacity further. Revenues fell 9.7 per cent year on year in the third quarter, al- though the number of passengers rose seven per cent and the group said it was filling its planes better, with the load factor up across long- and short-haul flights. Fares plunged by 17.6 per cent on average in the three months to September 30 as the airline strug- gled against the consumer spend- ing slump. Mr Mueller: Cost-cutting drive TWO men were remanded in custody last night over a foiled 100,000 robbery on a city centre jewellers. Clive Kavanagh, 41, and Michael Martin, 25, were charged with possession of a firearm and robbery over the attempted heist at Dawson Jewellers last Friday lunchtime. Judge Ann Ryan refused the pair bail after applications were heard in private at the Bridewell District Court in Dublin. Garda had objected to the two men being freed from custody. The pair, who were arrested on Dawson Street after a botched raid on the family-owned jewellers that specialises in exclusive designer watches, are due to appear at Cloverhill court on Thursday. Detectives have appealed for witnesses or anyone who was in the area at the time of the robbery to come forward. Pair in court over raid on jewellers index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html