A round-up of today’s other stories in brief
Verdict of accidental death at inquest of two-year-old boy
The jury at the inquest of a two-year-old boy who died after being knocked down by a van in west Dublin last year has returned a verdict of accidental death, writes Fiona Gartland.
Conor Conroy, Deansrath Avenue, Clondalkin, had been playing in the cul-de-sac where he lived on May 19th, 2009 when he was hit by a van performing a three-point turn. He died from multiple skull fractures.
Dublin County Coroner’s Court was told no charges were brought against the driver who, exercising his legal right not to give evidence, declined to appear at the inquest.
The boy’s 15-year-old brother described how he ran out of the house that evening when he heard his mother shouting. He carried his brother to their house where locals attempted to help. He was pronounced dead in an ambulance.
Rate of drinking a problem – survey
A large majority of adults believe the Government is not doing enough to address the country’s problem with alcohol, according to a new survey, writes Paul Cullen.
Some 85 per cent of those surveyed believe the current level of alcohol consumption in Ireland is a problem, and 69 per cent are critical of the Government’s efforts to deal with it.
Two out of every three adults support the introduction of a minimum price for alcohol, which would increase the floor price of the cheapest forms of drink, according to the survey commissioned by Alcohol Action Ireland.
The findings, to be presented at a conference today, show strong support for measures to curtail the sale and marketing of drink.
Strike threat at National Gallery
Staff at the National Gallery in Dublin have served notice of strike action in an attempt to make their jobs more interesting, according to their union.
The 22 room attendants who are employees of the gallery have voted for a 24-hour strike on October 13th. The strike, if it goes ahead, is likely to close the gallery.
Siptu organiser Conor O’Gorman said the job of a room attendant was often “mind-numbing”, and the staff had been involved in a six-year campaign which would allow them to man the front door of the gallery.
He said the industrial action was unique as staff were offering more flexibility for no extra financial reward and were being turned down.
Sponsored cycle for young homeless
About 350 people are expected to take part in a sponsored cycle on Saturday to raise funds to support the work of Fr Peter McVerry with homeless youngsters in Dublin's inner city. This is the 21st Welcome Home Charity cycle from Dublin to Wexford. It aims to generate thousands of euro for the Peter McVerry Trust, which provides four hostels for young homeless people; a residential drugs detox centre; two aftercare houses and 20 apartments for those looking to reintegrate into society.