A round-up of today's other stories in brief.
State gives extra €180,000 to Pakistan
Almost €180,000 has been contributed by the Department of Agriculture and Food to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to help earthquake victims in Pakistan, writes Seán MacConnell.
"I am very pleased to announce that this additional funding will be used by WFP to operate helicopters and distribute food to isolated communities in the remote mountainous areas affected by the earthquake," said Minister for Agriculture Mary Coughlan.
She stressed that the donation was in addition to this year's contribution by the department of €7 million.
Louth man admits role in attack
A Co Louth man has pleaded guilty at the Central Criminal Court to two charges relating to his role in an attack at the home of a 28-year-old man who died from his injuries.
Robert Heaney (21), of Hand Street, who was cleared by a jury of the violent killing, pleaded guilty yesterday to committing criminal damage at the home of Russell Deane (28), in Elmwood, Drogheda, and to being an armed trespasser by carrying a golf club on February 1st, 2003.
The case was listed for mention on January 13th. Heaney, who was released on continuing bail, is expected to be sentenced on January 23rd.
Trinity launches mentor scheme
An e-learning and mentoring scheme which will link students from disadvantaged backgrounds with the business community to enhance their education and employment prospects was launched yesterday, writes Áine Kerr.
Trinity College Dublin announced Ireland's first programme to incorporate universities, schools and businesses in providing an e-mentoring scheme to students from under- represented backgrounds.
The move follows a €210,000 grant from the Goldman Sachs Foundation.
GAA visit for Irish London homeless
Gaelic footballers are to bring the Sam Maguire cup to homeless Irish emigrants in London tomorrow.
Kerry forward Paul Galvin and veteran Tyrone defender Chris Lawn will bring the cup to the Cricklewood Homeless Centre. - (PA)
INTO votes in new official
The president of the primary teachers' representative body, the INTO, has been elected to the position of deputy general secretary following a postal ballot of union members.
Sheila Nunan will succeed Catherine Byrne next summer.