A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Hanafin says she has no plans to change copyright laws
Minister for Enterprise Mary Hanafin says she does not intend to change Ireland's copyright laws before leaving office, writes Joanne Hunt. In a statement yesterday, she said "there was absolutely no truth in the rumour" she was about to sign a statutory instrument relating to the copyright law.
The issue arose in light of last year’s High Court ruling in which internet service provider UPC and others were seen as not liable for illegal downloading by customers. The case had been brought by an alliance of music labels.
The ruling noted a gap in legislation under which Ireland was not complying with European law, with disconnections in relation to illegal downloads being unenforceable.
Cannabis plants and firearms seized
Gardaí in Finglas have seized two firearms and cannabis plants following a search at a house.
Gardaí from Finglas drug unit, assisted by uniformed gardaí, searched the house in the Glenties Park area shortly after 2pm yesterday. The cannabis plants are said to have a street value of €40,000. Two firearms, a shotgun and a handgun were also discovered.
No arrests have yet been made.
Missing Tallaght man found safe
A man reported missing by gardaí in Tallaght last weekend has been found safe and well.
Robert McCabe (39), Allenton Avenue, Tallaght, Dublin, was thought to have gone missing near his home last Saturday and gardaí had sought the assistance of the public in locating him.
Last night, gardaí issued a statement saying Mr McCabe had been found. Gardaí thanked the public for their assistance in locating him.
Talks continue on Aran Islands ferries
Negotiations are continuing for the possible purchase of two virtually new Aran Islands fast ferries, which were due to be auctioned yesterday in Galway, writes Lorna Siggins.
The MV Clann Eagle I and MV Clann na nOileáin were constructed in France five years ago at a total value of between €5 and €6 million.
The bidding had reached €950,000 yesterday at the auction hosted by west Cork agent Dominic Daly, when they were withdrawn. Discussions began later yesterday with a view to a potential sale, Mr Daly said.
The two vessels were built for Bád Arann Teo, trading as Aran Islands Direct from Rossaveal, Co Galway, which went into receivership.
Mr Daly said the ferries had "low engine hours" and were in very good condition.
The Aran Islands are served by Island Ferries, the main operator, from Rossaveal, and Aer Arann from Indreabhán. About 250,000 people every year take a ferry to the islands.