A round-up of today's Irish news in brief
Prisons 'must meet needs' of abused inmates
The Irish prison system needs to address the needs of inmates who have suffered institutional abuse, the founder of the Aislinn Centre, Christine Buckley has said.
Ms Buckley was speaking after a meeting with the Governor of Mountjoy Prison, John Lonergan yesterday afternoon to discuss the issue.
“There needs to be a concerted effort to deal with the needs of those who suffered abuse at the hands of institution and ended up in the prison system. These victims are not getting access to the same support as other survivors,” she said.
She pointed out there was no structured support programme for institutional abuse victims within the prison system.
Mr Lonergan said yesterday that he would facilitate such a programme if it was sanctioned by the Department of Justice.
Garda challenges bid to stop injury claim
A garda who injured his lower back when he slipped on wet railway sleepers while on machine gun training in Co Wicklow, has challenged a bid by the State to stop his personal injury claim
County registrar Susan Ryan was asked yesterday to strike out the claim by Garda David Kelly (42) on the grounds of inordinate delay since the accident on March 24th, 2005.
FG to finalise plans for political reform
Fine Gael's front bench will today attempt to finalise the party's New Politics document, which plans to cut the term of the President from seven to five years and abolish the Seanad, writes Mary Minihan.
The proposals to reform the political system, which are not yet official party policy, are expected to be published ahead of Fine Gael’s ardfheis in Killarney, Co Kerry, later this month.
The document will also contain a proposal to remove the constitutional protection that prevents judges’ salaries being reduced during their terms in office. The proposals, requiring constitutional changes, would need to be approved in a referendum.
TV3 calls on Minister to drop authority levy
TV3 has urged the Minister for Communications Eamon Ryan to drop the proposed levy that will fund the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland.
The levy is due to come into force on Thursday and the BAI is looking for an increase from €5.2 million in 2009 to €7.6 million this year because it now has responsibilities for regulating RTÉ.
TV3 chief executive David McRedmond yesterday described the levy as “ridiculous” and “badly timed”.
He said the 46 per cent that the authority was demanding in extra fees contrasted with severe cuts in the budgets of radio and television stations.
Lillis renounces right on estate of late wife
The High Court has been told that convicted killer Eamon Lillis has renounced his right to administer the estate of his late wife Celine Cawley.
When dealing with probate matters yesterday, Mr Justice Iarfhlaith O Neill was informed that Lillis, who is serving a sentence of just under seven years at Wheatfield Prison, had consented to his removal as the administrator of Ms Cawley’s will.
The consent was received late last week, the court heard.
Mr Justice O’Neill made an order appointing Ms Cawley’s brother, Chris Cawley, and her sister, Susanna Cawley, as administrators of the deceased’s estate.
Lillis (52) was jailed last month after a jury convicted him of the manslaughter of his wife. The couple have a 17-year-old daughter.
Talks on Green Isle dispute resume
Talks to resolve an increasingly bitter dispute between management and unions at Green Isle Foods in Naas, Co Kildare, resumed yesterday.
Ten workers have been on strike since three of their colleagues were dismissed from the food production plant last summer.
A proposal understood to involve payment of compensation for loss of employment was put forward by mediators, local TDs Jack Wall and Bernard Durkan.
A spokesman for the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union was not optimistic that a breakthrough would take place. Shop steward Jim Wyse is now in his 14th day on hunger strike. Former Offaly footballer John Guinan joined the protest last week and a third worker is scheduled to begin a hunger strike tomorrow.
Man charged with Limerick murder
A 29-year old man was remanded in custody last night after he appeared in court in Limerick charged with murdering Daniel Treacy just over a week ago.
The 35-year-old father of two was gunned down at a petrol station on the outskirts of the city as he delivered bread last Monday morning.
During last night’s special court sitting Det Sgt Derek Clancy of Mayorstone Garda station gave evidence of formally charging John Coughlan (29) from Pineview Gardens, Moyross, with the murder of Mr Treacy and he said he replied “I’ll remain silent” when charged.
Mr Coughlan will appear before the court again via video link on March 4th.
No case after death of pregnant woman
The DPP has directed no prosecutions following the death of a heavily pregnant woman from cocaine toxicity.
Lisa Hart (32), of Bunratty Road, Coolock, Dublin, was pronounced dead at Beaumont Hospital on March 16th 2008. Her unborn son, Elton, who was at 32 weeks gestation, died in the womb.
Insp Pat Leehy, of Coolock Garda station, told the Dublin City Coroner’s Court that the DPP had instructed that there were no directions in this case. The Garda investigation was in relation to a “supply issue”.
The inquest will be held in April. The inquest opened on December 9th, 2009, when the deceased woman’s uncle Patrick Brennan was in court.
Man on public order offences charge
A man appeared before Galway District Court yesterday charged with two public order offences, writes Ann Healy.
Cormac Quinn (30), Woodfield, Cappagh Road, Galway, is charged with being drunk and a danger to himself and others at Forster Street, Galway, on February 8th last. He is further charged with refusing to obey the directions of a garda.
Insp Mick Coppinger said Mr Quinn made no reply when cautioned. Defence solicitor Donal Geraghty asked for Garda statements to be furnished to his office. Judge Mary Fahy remanded Mr Quinn on continuing bail to appear before the court again on April 8th next.