RTÉ - Liveline

Joe called in to talk about the carbon tax which will double this Thursday unless TD's overturn it on Wednesday when the Dail reconvenes. Briquettes, coal and other fossil fuels will all increase. This is another punishment for working people, says Joe, and will not encourage us to be greener. Other people joined the discussion with some claimingit is a good thing for the environment and other disclaiming it

As Joe Duffy said, from the cost of living to the cost of dying. Martin called in to say that he objected to paying €400 to bury the casket which contains the cremated remains of his mother. He thinks this charge is far too much considering only a relatively small hole needs to be dug in the grave where his father is buried. Keith Massey, the undertaker, was on the line to talk about why costs for burial are the way they are. Others called with stories or raking cremated remains into the soil, or thrusting caskets into soil while no one is looking.

Mary who called us from Switzerland. Her husband is American, and she overstayed her US Visa by one day and has been in "Green Card" limbo for almost 18 months as a result. She is in Geneva while her husband is in Florida.

We also heard stories of how Clonakilty is an election free poster town, and how Louth County Council are hoping that all candidates will adhere to a poster free route for the Giro D'Italia in May

Bill is annoyed that in order to fit a Chubb lock for his customers, he has to pay €1,000 to the Private Security Authority. Paul Scallon, Head of Licensing at the PSA came on air to explain

Joe Quinn wondered if the delay in processing a new Driver Licence will result in people breaking the law.

As Gardai crack down on the use of mobile phones while driving , Liveline listeners discuss interpretation of the new regulations regarding hands free communications technology

Callers were unhappy that election posters are being placed on the route of the stages of the giro d'Italia cycle race as it passes through parts of Ireland in the coming weeks

On today's Liveline we spoke to people about the comments made by ASTI president Pat King who annoucned today that he has been bulied on an on-line forum. Sean also rang to say that he thought that lay teachers - through the unions - should apologise for the beatings of the past. He spoke about being 'leathered' with a strap.

Minister for Education and Skills, Ruairi Quinn, was speaking today at the INTO conference. He announced that he would like to make honours maths compulsory for prospective primary school teachers.

Gerald Keane tells Joe that he supported him initially, but admits now he may have gotten it wrong. Gerry is an avid Manchester United supporter he feels that David Moyes should have been given more time and was "sold a pup".

Iseult was recently the victim of a theft. In her case the thieves used election canvassers as a distraction. Victor is a stone carver based in West Cork. He carved a Munster Crest, which has now been stolen.

On today's programme we began with Howth restauranteur Annraoi Blaney discussing the effects of closing the Dart line to Howth on Easter Sunday trade. Barry Kenny of Iarnród Eireann defended the decision. Joe wondered why they hadn't known about the Battle of Clontarf Millenium Celebrations!

We heard from callers who were angry about the Water Charge given the quality of their water supply

On foot of the news that Setanta Insurance company was in receivership, we talked to a number of drivers who were insured with the company.