A round-up of today's other news stories in brief...
Major search for mother in Mayo
A widespread search, involving Garda sub-aqua divers and an Air Corps rescue helicopter, is under way in Co Mayo in an attempt to locate a mother-of-three missing since Thursday.
Marion Carr, a 53-year-old woman from Anfield, Hollymount, Co Mayo, has not been seen since 2.30pm on Thursday, when she was noticed on Main Street, Ballinrobe.
Her car was later found in the town of Ballinrobe, and over the weekend over 40 neighbours and friends joined gardaí in an extensive search of the nearby river Robe in an area known locally as the Bower's Walk.
Gardaí yesterday appealed for any information that might help them in their search.
"When last seen she was wearing a maroon jacket, white T-shirt, dark trousers, and black shoes. She is 5'10", with short brown hair and copper highlights," said a Garda Press Office spokesperson.
More drug dogs in regions urged
The absence of specially trained drug dogs outside Dublin is facilitating the spread and use of drugs throughout the country, according to Galway Senator Fidelma Healy Eames of Fine Gael. She wants drug dogs units to be set up at a number of locations around the country.
She said drug-related deaths would continue to rise unless there was tangible action.
Canon queries refugee allowance
A leading Church of Ireland figure has asked how a family waiting for adjudication on its refugee status can survive with dignity on direct provision with less than €20 a week and no right to seek work, writes Patsy McGarry.
In a sermon at Dublin's Christ Church Cathedral yesterday, Canon Patrick Comerford also said, of the 20,000-40,000 Muslims living in Ireland today: "They have more to offer our society - culturally, intellectually, socially and politically - than we have yet had the courage to acknowledge and accept."
Foul play ruled out in man's death
Gardaí have ruled out foul play in the death of a man whose body was discovered at his home in Co Longford. The man was named as Emmett McKnight from Ballymahon.
Deputy State Pathologist Dr Michael Curtis carried out an initial examination at Ballymahon yesterday morning before the body was removed to Mullingar General Hospital for post-mortem examination.
Mr McKnight's body was discovered on Saturday evening.
He had last been seen on St Stephen's Day.
Ahern 'misleading' on common EU tax
The Taoiseach has been accused by Sinn Féin Dublin MEP, Mary Lou McDonald, of attempting to mislead the Irish people about the prospect of tax harmonisation across the European Union in the years ahead, writes Stephen Collins.
Responding to Mr Ahern's comment yesterday that proposals for a common EU tax base were "stupid", Ms McDonald maintained he was attempting to gloss over the substantive discussions on tax harmonisation that were now taking place.
"This reality will be a factor in the referendum campaign," she said.