Saturday/Sunday
THERE was intense speculation on the possible outcome of the Tribunal of Inquiry (Dunnes Payments). It had been adjourned on Friday after it got a transcript of conversations between Ben Dunne's solicitor and a former Taoiseach and Fianna Fail leader, Mr Charles Haughey. Mr Haughey was sent a copy and given until Monday to respond.
The week-old paramedics' dispute was referred to the Labour Court.
At the Democratic Left annual conference in Dublin, the party leader, Mr Proinsias De Rossa, said he did not think Ireland's neutrality would be compromised by its involvement in the stabilisation force for Bosnia, which is under NATO control.
Monday
At the tribunal on payments to politicians, Mr Haughey's lawyers successfully sought more time to respond on his alleged conversations, and the tribunal adjourned for four weeks to make inquiries abroad. The Taoiseach, Mr Bruton, told the tribunal he met Mr Dunne while he was "intensively involved" in approaching business people for funds for Fine Gael in 1991.
Anthony Butler of Beau Street, Waterford, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Sandra Tobin in March 1996.
Tuesday
An Economic and Social Research Institute report predicted that unemployment will fall to 8.6 per cent by the year 2000 and to 7 per cent by 2005, when Irish living standards will be on a par with the EU average.
In the Dail Mr Bruton denied any conflict of evidence between statements he had made to the two tribunals of inquiry.
A 62-year old Kildare man was given eight months' jail and fined £22,000 for importing and selling "angel dust" and other illegal growth promoters.
Patrick Granaghan (36), Drumacrin Road, Bundoran, Co Donegal, was jailed for life for the murder of a 13-year-old girl in Bundoran in April last year.
The Roman Catholic bishops announced an initiative to tackle Ireland's drug problems, involving an island-wide information programme.
Wednesday
The pound dropped sharply to a five-year low against sterling. Investors believed the pound would join the European single currency at a much lower rate against the continental currencies than its recent value on the markets would indicate.
The paramedics called off their strike pending a vote on a Labour Court recommendation which will cost nearly £10 million.
A woman who developed AIDS from a contaminated blood transfusion received substantial, undisclosed damages from the State.
Loyalist prisoners took over a wing of the Maze Prison and burned observation towers because of restrictions placed on them following the recent attempted republican breakout.
The Irish soccer team was beaten 1-0 by Romania in Bucharest in a crucial World Cup qualifier. The outcome was described as "a bad result but a good night for Irish football".
Thursday:
The Central Bank raised wholesale interest rates by 0.5 per cent, paving the way for a rise in mortgage rates next week. The move followed a sharp rise in borrowing in March and the fall in the value of the pound.
An elderly man and wife were found dead in Oola, Co Limerick, close to a legally held shotgun.
A 45-year-old man was found beaten to death in Kilkenny city.
The Government announced it is to spend £1 million this year to implement a report on Violence Against Women. More shelters are to be built and a national 24-hour helpline established.