www.flashkit.com is a great resource for flash. there a section under tutorials called 'getting started' and that covers most basics.
There is a publishing company called 'friends of ed' and they do an excellent range of software books. I'd highly recommend their 'Foundation Flash 8' book.
When you say 'web site creation' do you mean how to upload it to the web or the theory of designing it (e.g scripting buttons and stuff)?
I actually mean both - creating a web site (using Flash) - including creating an animated intro, menus, animated buttons, photo gallery etc .and then uploading it.
Also, could recommend somewhere decent (and cheap) to host a flash site?
My workplace uses Webworld for their hosting but I'm not sure how they relate pricewise to other hosting companies. The company beside us use Blacknight.ie for their hosting. Apparently they do a cheap basic plan for hosting and domain reg.
If you are in a hurry to get a website up theres a great site called www.templatemonster.com which sells complete flash sites included intros for cheap prices. The sites are really well designed and professional looking. Its also a great site if you are looking for inspiration for layout ideas or navigation.
What functions is your site for, is it a personal one or for a business?
There has been a huge move away from flash in general for websites. There is pressure nowadays for websites to be compliant with accessability standards and CSS is usually the way to go with sites for businesses. Also there has been a shift from the 'intro heavy' websites of the past few years. Studies have shown that users just get annoyed with 'bells and whistles' flourishes and generally skip intros. Most people just want to access the info they want as quickly and clearly as possible.
Sorry wouldn't have a clue about the best broadband packages, we got ours from eircom ages ago so wouldn't know up to date prices!
If you want to create really impressive flash sites, theres an 3d flash program called Swift3d http://www.swift3d.com/... a lot of the really impressive looking flash websites seem to use it and its fairly easy to learn, you'd prob pick it up in no time