Gardaí in Limerick were questioning three men last night in their investigation into the recent gangland murder of John Ryan, writes Karl Hanlon.
The men - one in his early 60s and two 19-year-olds - were arrested in raids on houses in the Island Field area of Limerick's northside yesterday morning.
A firearm - possibly an air rifle - and a small quantity of drugs were also seized in the operation.
All three men were being questioned last night under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act at Mayorstone and Henry Street Garda stations.
199 doctors earn over €240,000
The number of doctors earning over €240,000 from the General Medical Services (Payments) Board almost quadrupled last year, according to the board's latest annual report.
The report for 2002 shows that 199 doctors earned over €240,000 for providing free care to medical card holders last year compared to 52 the previous year. The extension of medical card eligibility to all persons over 70 regardless of means had a major impact on the doctors incomes.
A majority of doctors attached to the scheme earned between €120,000 and €180,000 but some 347 earned less than €60,000.
Letterkenny A&E unit approved
The Minister for Health, Mr Martin, yesterday gave permission for the North Western Health Board to proceed with planning and design works for a new accident and emergency department at Letterkenny General Hospital in Co Donegal.
The A&E unit has come under severe pressure in recent years and the Minister acknowledged that it was "clearly not big enough" and that "space was at a premium".
Earlier this week, the general manager of the hospital, Mr Chris Lyons, issued an appeal to the public not to attend the A&E unless absolutely necessary as there was a shortage of beds due to a higher than normal level of admissions.
Judge refuses liquor licence
Street violence in Ireland is prompted and exacerbated by the sale of alcohol at summer festivals, according to a Cork District Court Judge.
Judge Michael Pattwell strongly criticised the organisers of summer festivals at Midleton District Court yesterday, where he refused an application for a liquor licence, for a popular festival in east Cork.
The Blue Jeans Festival is held each year in Shanagarry, organised by the local GAA club.
The secretary of the Thomas Russell GAA club told Judge Pattwell that alcohol would only be served in the clubhouse.
Judge Pattwell refused the application and condemned organisers of summer festivals for "aiding and abetting" street violence, by allowing young people to be served alcohol.
Rwandan to work in C of I parish
The Rev Francois Murenzi, a native of Rwanda, will start work in Athy Union of Parishes today.
The Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough, Dr John Neill, will preside at a Service of Introduction for Mr Murenzi in St Michael's Church, Athy, at 8 p.m.
He is the first African priest to be ordained in the Church of Ireland.