Other stories in brief.
Warrant for arrest of drugs charge man
A bench warrant has been issued by Judge Bryan McMahon at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for the arrest of a man who failed to appear for sentence on a major drugs charge.
Anthony Whelan (27), Glasanaon Road, Finglas has pleaded guilty previously to having cannabis resin for sale or supply with an estimated value of some €1.4 million at Tankardstown, Rathoath, Co Meath on July 20th, 2005.
Garda seeks to stop inquiry
The High Court has reserved judgment on a bid by a garda to stop disciplinary proceedings taken against him by the Garda Commissioner over allegations of discreditable conduct. Garda Patrick Farrelly, with an address in Dundalk, is seeking an order quashing a decision taken by the commissioner in December 2004 to proceed with an inquiry into a series of allegations made against him.
The disciplinary proceedings were initiated in February 2003 to investigate allegations that he had engaged in discreditable conduct and was in breach of duty over allegations including that he handled stolen property, associated with known criminals and was convicted of driving without insurance.
Court settlement for autistic boy
A lengthy legal battle aimed at securing appropriate education and therapeutic supports for an autistic boy has been settled at the High Court.
Under the terms of settlement of the action brought on behalf of Joseph Flannery, now aged 11, the State is to make an ex gratia payment of €60,000 and has also agreed to provide speech, language and occupational therapy for the boy, who is attending a mainstream primary school.
Jehovah's Witness joint action opposed
The State has objected to the Jehovah's Witness congregation in Ireland being joined to legal proceedings arising after a female member of its faith was forced by court order to have a blood transfusion at a Dublin maternity hospital.
The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Ireland are seeking to be joined in the action brought by the Coombe Women's Hospital against a woman, K, who is a Jehovah's Witness.