The other news stories of the day in brief...
Man questioned by gardaí after firearm seizure in Limerick
A man was being questioned by gardaí last night following the seizure of a firearm on the outskirts of Limerick city.
The weapon, believed to be a high-powered pistol, was recovered in the Ballysheedy area during an intelligence-led operation targeting serious criminal activity in the city.
The man, who is in his 20s, was arrested shortly before 3.30pm. He is being questioned at Roxboro Road Garda station under Section 30 of the Offences against the State Act and he can be detained without charge until Wednesday afternoon. Garda sources have described yesterday’s operation as significant as the man who is in custody has links to one of the city’s feuding gangs.
Body of elderly NI sailor recovered
The body of an elderly sailor was recovered from the sea off the Co Down seaside village of Groomsport, near Bangor, early yesterday.
Duncan McInnes (84) died along with his dog when a dinghy they had been in capsized.
The Coastguard and Bangor lifeboat were involved in the operation to recover the bodies.
Mr McInnes was a founder member of the local Cockle Island boat club.
Two arrested over cannabis factory
Gardaí found what they called an “elaborate” cannabis-growing operation in Co Kilkenny on Saturday.
The discovery was made in an outhouse near a property in the Garrygaug area of Mullinavat.
Floors were specially adapted for the purpose of cultivation and a large generator as well as an elaborate ventilation and heating system were found.
Two men, in their 70s and 40s, were arrested.
New guide for sale of codeine drugs
New guidelines governing the sale and display of codeine-containing drugs such as Solpadeine and Nurofen Plus came into effect yesterday.
Pharmacists will also have to ensure customers know how to use such medicines properly, according to the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland (PSI), which regulates the profession.
Codeine medicines such as painkillers and cough bottles must only be supplied under the personal supervision of a pharmacist, who must advise customers that they can only be used when considered necessary and for the shortest time possible, the new rules state.
Patients should be advised of the importance of sticking to the recommended dose and duration of use, and of risks of developing tolerance and dependence.
They will also be warned about the potential dangers of combination products – painkillers containing codeine and another drug such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.