In Short

A roundup of today's other news stories in brief

ISE appoints new chief executive

The Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) has appointed Deirdre Somers as chief executive designate.

Ms Somers, who is director of listing at the stock exchange, will replace Tom Healy, who retires in June. A chartered accountant, she is currently responsible for all public listings, including listings by companies, investment funds and specialist securities.

Equitable Life recommendation

The UK government is obliged to assume responsibility for the losses suffered by British mutual insurer Equitable Life, according to a draft report by an EU committee of inquiry into the regulatory handling of the collapse.

The report recommends that the UK government devise and implement an appropriate compensation scheme for Equitable Life policyholders in the Republic, the UK and elsewhere.

McInerney directors paid €4m

The executive directors of quoted housebuilder McInerney shared almost €4 million in pay and bonuses last year, the company's annual report shows. Chief executive Barry O'Connor was paid €1.12 million in 2006. Tommy Drumm was paid €875,200, Mark Shakespeare €777,200, Enda Cunningham €713,000, and Daniel McInerney €502,000.

Industrial production up 22%

Industrial production in February rose by 22.3 per cent year-on-year, boosted by strong output growth in the State's chemicals sector.

Figures published yesterday by the Central Statistics Office show that production in the "modern" sector - chemical and high-technology industries - displayed annual growth of more than 30 per cent, while the "traditional" sector rose 6.8 per cent.

United Drug buys packaging unit

The Iseq-listed company United Drug has bought the pharmaceutical packaging division of Belgian firm Budelpack International for an undisclosed sum. The Budelpack Hamont business employs 140 people.

15% of firms report vacancies in March

A total of 15 per cent of firms in the private sector reported vacancies in March compared to 12 per cent in the previous month, the latest Fás/ESRI vacancies survey has revealed.

The growth in demand was driven solely by the services sector. The percentage of services firms reporting vacancies rose by 7 percentage points to 23 per cent. However, construction vacancies fell for the second consecutive month, with 10 per cent of firms seeking to hire workers, compared to 13 per cent in February.

Glencullen moves Renault franchise

Glencullen Holdings, the motor and property group which owns Bill Cullen's Renault distribution business, has agreed the transfer of the Renault truck franchise to Setanta Vehicles Importers for an undisclosed sum.

Domain registrations

The number of .ie domain registrations has exceeded 75,000 and not 750,000 as reported yesterday.