A round-up today's other stories in brief.
Warning of Russian ban on EU meat
Russia could decide to ban EU meat exports again at the end of this month unless "high-level" negotiations take place immediately, an Irish MEP has warned.
Liam Aylward (FF) said such a ban - which according to some reports yesterday is being considered by the Russian government - would have implications for Ireland.
"Another set of high-level political and diplomatic negotiations between Russia and the EU are going to have to take place immediately in an effort to resolve this trading issue," he said.
Revenue seizes 160,000 cigarettes
In an operation against organised smuggling gangs, the Revenue's customs service at Dublin airport seized 160,000 cigarettes from two flights which arrived from the Canary Islands on Thursday. The cigarettes are valued at about €61,987.
Ten people, including eight from Northern Ireland, one from Cork and one from the Canary Islands, were questioned and files are being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Energy equipment gets exemption
Small renewable energy equipment such as solar panels, wind turbines and heat pumps have been given planning exemption by the Government.
Minister for the Environment Dick Roche signed regulations yesterday providing that small domestic-scale renewable energy products will not need planning permission in future, once they meet certain conditions.
These include solar panels which cover 50 per cent or less of roof space and wind turbines of up to six metres in diameter.
Driver (81) dies in collision
Gardaí in Cavan are investigating a collision on Thursday at Annagh, Belturbet, in which a man aged 81 was killed when the car he was driving was in collision with a lorry. No one else was injured.
Corporal loses repatriation case
An Army corporal has lost a High Court challenge to overturn a decision to send him home from Kosovo arising from an incident where it was alleged he was drinking in billets after hours.
Cpl Richard Muldarry had challenged his repatriation from Kosovo in 2004, where he had served with the UN force, Kfor.
Girl settles action against hospital
A 10-year-old girl who was left with a limp arm after her birth has settled her High Court action for €700,000 damages.
Clodagh Farrell had, through her mother Julianna Farrell, Woodview Heights, Dunboyne, Co Meath, sued the Rotunda Maternity Hospital, Dublin, and two doctors there, Dr Paul Byrne and Dr Etap Akpan, arising from her birth at the hospital in 1996.
Postman in Leitrim suspended
A Co Leitrim postman has been suspended by An Post following the discovery of a "substantial" number of undelivered letters at his home.
Children's group launches website
The renamed Children First Foundation has officially launched its new website. The original site is now defunct and donors and supporters are asked to visit www.childrenfirst.ie .
€78m funding for new railcars
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen has approved the funding of €78 million for 33 new intercity rail-cars to service Athlone, Portlaoise and Carlow.
The new rail-cars are in addition to an order for 150 rail-cars, the first of which are to arrive from Korea next Tuesday.