A round-up of today's other stories in brief
Two at centre of extradition row detained
Two men who were at the centre of a diplomatic row between Ireland and the Czech Republic over attempts to extradite them have been detained at Cloverhill Prison in Dublin, writes Tim O'Brien.
Czech Tomas Puta (34) and Slovak national Maros Sulej (34) had been living in Celbridge in Co Kildare and Lucan in Dublin respectively. Czech Republic deputy prime minister and minister for justice Pavel Nemec had earlier warned Minister for Justice Michael McDowell that relations between the two countries had been damaged over the affair.
A spokesman in Prague told The Irish Times Mr Puta is wanted for questioning in relation to murder, kidnapping and robbery. Mr Sulej, a former member of the Slovak police's special taskforce, is wanted for questioning in relation to organised crime including armed robbery.
Attempt to abduct girls in Derry
Parents in the Creggan area of Derry expressed shock at reports of an attempted abduction of two children in an estate there at the weekend, according to a local SDLP councillor.
Two girls, aged five and six, were asked by three men to get into their car after the vehicle pulled up outside the girls' family homes in Leenan Gardens just after 8pm on Saturday.
The girls ran off.
Penalty points for mobile phone use
Minister for Transport Martin Cullen will today announce the extension of penalty points to drivers who are detected using a hand held mobile phone. The extension will take place from September 1st.
Since July motorists caught using a hand held mobile phone were liable to a court prosecution, but notpenalty points.
The change will allow motorists the option of not going to court, but they must accept two penalty points and a fixed charge. If a motorist pays up within 28 days the fixed charge is €60. Within a further 28 days it rises to €90. Should a motorist go to court and be convicted, four points will apply as well as a fine of up to €2,000. Under the Road Traffic Act 2006, a defence is available where a driver must contact the emergency services.