A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
DNA used to identify dead baby's mother
Gardaí identified the mother of the baby found dead in Co Meath through a DNA test, it emerged yesterday. The body of the baby was found by workmen in a disused shed near the village of Kildalkey on May 2nd.
Supt Ken Brennan of Trim Garda station said officers had made contact with a woman thought to be the mother a day after the infant's body was found. He said DNA samples had then been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Garda Headquarters in Dublin.
"We took DNA from her and we matched it to the infant so it's conclusive that she's the mother."
The woman is from eastern Europe but gardaí are not releasing any details of her age or occupation to protect her identity. No charges are to be brought against her.
"We have referred her to the social services and we have indicated to her that her mental and her medical health needs to be taken care of," said Supt Brennan.
The infant's body was found wrapped in blankets and was thought to have been in the shed for some time due to its decomposed state.
A postmortem examination was carried out by the Deputy State Pathologist, Dr Michael Curtis, but it failed to establish the cause of death. Supt Brennan said the mother would be making arrangements for the burial of the baby.
He added: "We'd like to get the message out there that it doesn't matter what your nationality is, whether it's Irish or eastern European, that there is help for pregnant mothers who feel that they can't, for whatever reason, bring up a child." - (PA)
Monkey left in van for week
An investigation into the discovery of a monkey abandoned in the back of a van in Laois for more than a week is being carried out by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. It is hopeful a prosecution will follow.
The 10-year-old Barbary ape was discovered in the back of a circus van by a mechanic in a garage at Stradbally on Thursday.
The van had been in the garage for a week awaiting a part and the animal was locked in a small cage in its rear. The mechanic was alerted to his presence when he began to screech.
An ISPCA inspector was called and the monkey was found to be seriously dehydrated and traumatised. He has since been taken to a monkey sanctuary in the countryside.
Conor Dowling, ISPCA officer who assisted in the monkey's transportation, said that they were gathering evidence for the gardaí who would then send a file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
"We believe there is a case of animal cruelty to answer," he said. "This animal was in disgusting conditions, the cage was dirty and dark, the van stank and was extremely warm." He said the circus involved could not be named for legal reasons, but ruled out well-known circuses.
Willie Heffernan, owner of Ireland's only monkey sanctuary, said the animal was terrified when he arrived but has since calmed down.