A round-up of today's other home news in brief
Coroner says asbestos deaths must be notified
The Dublin city coroner has emphasised that hospitals are legally required to notify him about asbestos-related deaths.
At the inquest yesterday of Thomas Shiels (79), Clontarf, Dublin, Dr Brian Farrell said he should have been notified of the death. The Bons Secours Hospital in Glasnevin said Mr Shiels died of malignant mesothelioma, or asbestos cancer, last October, but could not register the death because it was not from natural causes.
Mr Farrell said he would have to base his verdict on the clinical evidence from the hospital.
Mr Shiels's son, also Thomas, said his father had worked as a carpenter on a building site and had handled asbestos, but had worked in maintenance at Temple Street Children's Hospital for the last 20 years of his career.
Mr Farrell returned a verdict of death due to occupational-acquired disease.
Pana activist on Shannon charge
Peace and Neutrality Alliance (Pana) activist Dr Ed Horgan has appeared in court in connection with an incident at Shannon airport where he demanded gardaí search an aircraft he suspected of being operated by the CIA.
He claims the aircraft had previously been spotted at Guantánamo Bay.
At Shannon District Court yesterday, Dr Horgan (63), a retired Army commandant, Newtown, Castletroy, Limerick, faced a charge of impeding an airport officer on June 18th last. He had asked the Garda to search the aircraft, citing Irish and international law.
Dr Horgan told Judge Joseph Mangan that the summons served on him was flawed. He said there was no evidence that DPP James Hamilton knew of the incident or was consulted about it.
Judge Mangan adjourned the case to January 13th.
Man charged with having child porn
A man has been remanded in custody after he was charged with possessing downloaded images of child pornography at an apartment in Cork on Wednesday night.
Dominic Donovan (59), Wellington Road, Cork, was charged with having child pornography on January 7th.
Judge Con O'Leary remanded him in custody to appear again at Cork District Court on January 15th.
Press photographer dies suddenly
A newspaper photographer who died suddenly in Galway will be buried today in his native Roscommon. Alan Gallagher (29), Ballingard Road, Roscommon, worked as a photographer with the Galway Independent.
He was well known through his work in Galway where he was a popular member of the local media.
Mr Gallagher will be buried in St Coman's Cemetery following noon Mass in the Sacred Heart Church in Roscommon.
Woman hit by car serious in hospital
Gardaí are investigating a hit-and-run incident that has left a woman in a serious condition in hospital. The 49- year-old pedestrian suffered serious injuries after she was struck yesterday by a silver car, thought to be a Nissan Micra. The incident occurred on the Monkstown Road in Co Dublin shortly before 6pm.
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or who may have information is asked to contact gardaí at Blackrock on 01 666 5200.