A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
10 years for importing cannabis
A woman has been sentenced to 10 years in jail with four years suspended after she caught with €140,000 worth of cannabis herb by Customs officers at Cork airport in July.
Fidress Nomsa Kumalo (36), Rosetteville, Johannesburg, South Africa, pleaded guilty at Cork Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 14kg of cannabis herb for sale or supply on July 13th.
Kumalo had travelled from South Africa to Cork via Amsterdam and had disembarked when Customs officers searched her luggage and found the drugs.
Firefighter ruling may be appealed
Drogheda Borough Council is considering whether it will appeal a High Court decision to allow part-time Drogheda fireman, Patrick Reilly (58), to work until the age of 65. The council said the decision could have implications for local authorities across the State. The ruling was made despite a 2002 agreement to set the maximum retirement age for fire fighters at 58.
Mattie McGrath trial resumes today
The trial of Fianna Fáil TD Mattie McGrath for the assault of a teenager resumes today following three days of legal argument by lawyers.
The trial, now in its third week, has heard from several witnesses who claimed Mr McGrath shouted abuse at a group of youths before a brawl in his hometown two years ago.
South Tipperary TD Mr McGrath (50) and five other men, including his son Edmond, are charged with assault causing harm to Timothy Cleere. He is also charged with violent disorder and with using threatening, abusive or insulting behaviour in a public place.