Today's other news stories in brief
Treaty will help EU 'meet new challenges'
Ratification of the Lisbon Treaty will allow Europe meet the challenges of the 21st century such as globalisation, climate change and energy security, a meeting on the treaty was told last night by Ireland South MEP Brian Crowley, writes Barry Roche.
Mr Crowley told the National Forum On Europe meeting in Cork that the EU has to be able to face up to the challenges of globalisation if it is to keep attracting investment.
Contract for Luas extension agreed
The contract to build the Luas extension to the Docklands has been awarded to M-Pact, a joint venture between civil engineers Laing O'Rourke and UK firm Grant Rail. The extension to the Point will include stops at George's Dock, Mayor Square, Spencer Dock and the Point and is due to be completed next year.
Solicitor's case adjourned
A solicitor facing a possible order freezing his accounts because of an alleged €1 million deficit in his client account has had his case adjourned for another day at the High Court. The solicitor, who cannot be named because proceedings are in private, had been given until yesterday to make arrangements to come up with a loan to meet the deficit.
Pensioner jailed for four years
A Roscommon pensioner who indecently assaulted a teenage girl has been jailed for four years by Mr Justice Paul Carney at the Central Criminal Court. Brendan Touhy (67), Main Street, Castlerea, pleaded guilty to seven counts of indecent assault.