A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
Gardaí seek van in Cork murder inquiry
Gardaí investigating the murder of a British New Age traveller whose body was found in a slurry pit in west Cork earlier this month are seeking the public's help in finding a van.
The red-coloured Ford Courier van, registration 95 LK 3375, was last seen in the Cappawhite area of Tipperary on September 26th, 2007.
The remains of Gary Bull (37), who was murdered and dumped in a slurry pit near Dunmanway, were flown to his native Hertfordshire yesterday. Mr Bull's body was discovered on a farm at Shanlaragh, 8km (five miles) northeast of Dunmanway, on October 11th last.
Bluetongue disease alert
The Department of Agriculture is stepping up preparations for the arrival of Bluetongue disease in Ireland, writes Seán Mac Connell, Agriculture Correspondent.
As the spread of the disease widened in Britain, Denmark confirmed its first case of Bluetongue in sheep and in doing so proved the virus has travelled further.
The department held a seminar in July on Bluetongue, based on the anticipated arrival of the disease here within a short time.
Inquest told of fall in hospital
A doctor who died less than 12 hours after a fall in a Dublin hospital was scheduled to have hourly neurological checks to ensure his condition was not deteriorating, but nursing staff failed to carry them out, an inquest was told yesterday.
Dr Henry Parsons (87), Mount Prospect Avenue, Clontarf, died from a subdural haemorrhage on July 12th, 2006, at Beaumont hospital, Dublin City Coroner's Court heard.
The coroner, Dr Brian Farrell, said any omission to carry out the neurological observation was a material factor in Dr Parson's death.
He said elderly patients who suffered a bang to the head were particularly susceptible to the development of subdural haemorrhage.
The court heard that the hospital carried out an extensive external investigation after the event and was currently working to clarify the procedure in relation to the neurological observations.
Man (27) handled stolen car
A Meath-based property investment organiser who was caught handling a stolen car in 2005 has been given a two-year suspended sentence and told to pay €2,000 to the owner.
Niall O'Hanlon (27), St Anthony's Road, Brownstown, Kilcloon, admitted at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he handled a stolen VW Passat on October 6th, 2005, in the Lucan area.
Two vie for post of Labour chairman
Former senator Brendan Ryan and Waterford TD Brian O'Shea will contest the vacant position of Labour Party chairman.
The two were the only names put forward before yesterday's 5pm deadline for nominations. The decision will be made by delegates at the Labour Party conference on the weekend of November 16th-18th.