A round-up of some other news reports.
Albanian deportation put on hold
The Department of Justice has put the deportation of an Albanian man living in Galway, who faced expulsion today, on hold until a decision has been made on his wife's application for leave to remain in Ireland, writes Michelle McDonagh.
The Kosovo Ireland Solidarity group appealed to the Minister, Michael McDowell, to allow Hyso and Ermira Dule, who are living in Moycullen, Co Galway, to stay on humanitarian grounds.
Ms Dule is seriously ill with Ishaemic heart disease and arthritis and is due to have surgery in Galway this month.
Minister of State at the Department of Justice Frank Fahey said the department had put the deportation of Hyso Dule on hold pending the outcome of his wife's application. "I have made a personal plea to Mr McDowell that this couple should not be deported because of the unique circumstances of this case."
Two young men die in crashes
Two men in their 20s were killed in separate road crashes yesterday. A 23-year-old man was killed in Co Cork when his motorcycle collided with a car at about 2pm. The incident occurred at Moneygorney on the Douglas to Carrigaline road.
Gardaí in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, are investigating a fatal crash at about 7.50am in Clonmore, Piltown, Carrick-on-Suir. Daniel Kirby (29), of Tramore, Co Waterford, was killed when the car he was driving was involved in a collision with two other vehicles. The drivers of the other two vehicles were taken to Waterford Regional Hospital, where they were treated for their injuries.
Garda association secretary quits
The general secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors is to step down from his position before his term expires due to "personal reasons". Pat Flynn, who has held the general secretary's position for the past two and a half years, will vacate it at the end of this month to take up a sergeant's post in the new Garda Traffic Corps.
He has been on secondment from the force for his term as general secretary. Sources in the association said last night Mr Flynn was leaving the post on "the best of terms".
Ministerial car in collision
A garda employed to drive the State car used by Minister for Justice Michael McDowell sustained minor injuries in a collision in Dublin city centre yesterday, writes Conor Lally. Mr McDowell was not in the car at the time. The Minister's driver was travelling down Thomas Street towards Christ Church just before noon when the crash took place.
A female driver crashed into the driver's door of the ministerial Mercedes. She was taken to hospital as a precaution but was not seriously injured. Mr McDowell's driver did not require hospital treatment. It is understood both vehicles were extensively damaged and may have to be written off.
Vomiting bug outbreak
Sixteen patients at Portiuncla Hospital in Ballinasloe, Co Galway, have been diagnosed with the winter vomiting bug. Patients have been told to stay away from the accident and emergency department unless it is vital to attend.
Charged with illegal trading
Comedian Dave McSavage was remanded on continuing bail in Dublin District Court yesterday on a charge of illegal street trading. Appearing under his real name, David Andrews, the 42-year-old son of former foreign affairs minister David Andrews was arrested for allegedly selling copies of DVDs of one of his theatre performances without a casual trading licence.
Investigation into alleged sex assault
Gardaí in Galway city have opened an investigation into an alleged sexual assault on an elderly woman by a man who offered to help carry her shopping home.
The woman, who is in her 80s, was making her way to her home in Salthill when she was approached by a man. He offered to carry her bags before entering her home where the alleged sexual assault took place.
The alleged incident was reported to gardaí. No arrests have been made.
Woman on fatal crash charges
A Co Monaghan woman was remanded on continuing bail to June 13th, when she faced charges yesterday of dangerous driving, causing the deaths of a man and woman in a collision near Castleblayney on September 18th last year.
Frances Flanagan, Lurganmore, Castleblayney, was also charged with a drunken driving offence at Monaghan Circuit Court.
The charges arose from a collision on the N2 Dublin-Derry road at Corleadargan in which a car driven by the accused struck a roadside culvert.
Employee stole €28,000 from HSE
A Health Service Executive (HSE) employee has pleaded guilty to stealing more than €28,000 from her employers.
Cara Canavan, Springfield, Riverstown, Co Sligo, yesterday admitted nine counts of theft, five of unlawful use of a computer and a further charge of attempting to steal €3,659.
Judge Antony Kennedy heard that Canavan, who is in her 40s, had pleaded guilty at Sligo Circuit Court to 15 sample charges from a total of 90.
The offences were committed at the office of the HSE at Markievicz House, Sligo, on dates from 2003 to 2005.
Canavan was remanded on continuing bail to the next legal term when she is due to be sentenced.
Call for two-tier commercial rate
Mayo County Council is calling on Minister for the Environment Dick Roche to change legislation and to allow a two-tier commercial rate to be applied to commercial and business properties, depending on location.
Erris-based Fianna Fáil councillor Tim Quinn said the proposed increase in the commercial rate in the county of 5.5 per cent should be rejected.
He said there should be one rate for the large towns and a lower one for small towns.
The motion was supported by most councillors.
However, county secretary John Condon said to change the commercial rate payable in this way would require a change in legislation.
Ex-minister's son to seek nomination
A son of a former government minister has signalled his intention to seek a Fianna Fáil nomination in the five-seater Mayo constituency.
Denis Gallagher (51), from Achill, hopes to be chosen as a replacement candidate for sitting TD Beverley Flynn. Mr Gallagher's father, also called Denis, served as minister for the Gaeltacht in 1982. He died in 2001.
Mr Gallagher retired early this week from his career as a detective garda, based in Castlebar, and signalled his intention to seek a nomination.