Two Irishmen have been detained in France in connection with the seizure of drugs worth an estimated €11 million.
A spokesman from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed last night that Mr Roger Bergin and his brother Michael were currently in custody in Perpignan, in south-west France.
"We are aware of their case and are providing consular assistance to the men and their families," said the spokesman.
They were arrested by French police over 10 days ago after over a quarter of a tonne of cannabis and fifteen kilograms of cocaine were discovered. The spokesman confirmed the two brothers come from Co Longford.
Tribunal cancelled as chairman unwell
The public hearing of the Flood tribunal was cancelled yesterday because, the chairman, Mr Justice Flood, was unwell.
The tribunal resumes at Dublin Castle at 10.30 a.m. this morning to continue the cross-examination of the evidence of the former lobbyist, Mr Frank Dunlop.
Science writing competition
Undergraduate and graduate students in third-level institutions, North and South, are invited to participate in the annual Royal Irish Academy/Irish Times biochemistry science writing competition sponsored by Yamanouchi Ireland Co Ltd.
Entrants are asked to write a newspaper article suitable for the non-scientific reader, explaining any new topic in biochemistry. First prize is a cheque for €1,000, a bronze sculpture and publication of the essay in The Irish Times.
The second placed entrant receives €400. The closing date for entries is Monday, March 24th, 2003. Further details from the RIA at (01) 676-2570 or on www.ria.ie
Theatre nurses stop work in pay protest
Elective surgery planned for patients at a Dublin hospital had to be cancelled yesterday when theatre nurses stopped work for six hours in protest at on-call rates of pay, writes Eithne Donnellan, Health Correspondent.
The 15 nurses, at James Connolly Memorial Hospital, Blanchardstown, plan to repeat their protest for a further six hours tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. They say they get paid just €17 extra per night when on call, while colleagues at another health board hospital in Loughlinstown, Dublin, get €60.
Eastlink charges to rise by 10%
Motorists using the East-link toll bridge in Dublin are to face a 10 cent rise in the toll charge from March 1st under new rates approved by Dublin City Council, writes Olivia Kelly.
The new charge, which sees the cost of using the National Toll Roads operated bridge rise to €1.30, represents an almost 24 per cent increase in the toll since the introduction of the euro last year.
Woman may be linked to baby find
Gardaí in Coolock, Dublin, have issued details of a woman who may be connected to the discovery of a dead baby boy last Friday.
The woman was seen in the Newtown Industrial Estate area of Coolock between 1.30 a.m. and 3.30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1st, a week before the newborn was found. She is described as 25 to 35, around 5 feet 8 inches, of slim build and with short, permed hair. She was wearing a black or grey three-quarter length coat, and mustard or orange trousers.
Gardaí believe she may be able to help with their investigation and would like to speak to her urgently.
75 jobs to go at firm in Donegal
Donegal-based clothing firm Nena Model has confirmed its intention to "downsize" its Irish operations, resulting in the loss of 75 jobs.
Earlier this week, it issued protective notice to staff at factories in Stranorlar, Castlefin and Convoy. It will, however, retain sales, marketing and support staff in the county. In a statement, the company said it had examined all options before arriving at the decision.