A roundup of today's other Ireland news stories in brief
Unaligned Independents to seek talks over speaking rights
Three unaligned Independent TDs will this week seek meetings with Ceann Comhairle Séamus Kirk and the various party whips in a bid to secure formal speaking rights in the Dáil, writes Mary Minihan.
They are former Fianna Fáil deputy Joe Behan of Wicklow, Finian McGrath of Dublin North Central and Dublin Central’s Maureen O’Sullivan.
“What we are looking for really is the right to speak on issues that are of concern to us without having to specifically beg other parties. As elected people we have a right to make our views known on issues that are critical for the future of our country and constituents,” Mr Behan said.
Ms O’Sullivan, Tony Gregory’s election agent who won the byelection brought about by his death, said speaking time in the chamber should not be viewed as a “gift” to Independents.
Tinsley wins healthcare award
Cystic fibrosis campaigner Orla Tinsley received the outstanding achievement award in healthcare at this year’s Healthcare Innovation Awards at the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. She was honoured for her commitment to bettering the treatment of cystic fibrosis patients in Ireland.
Sisters Edel and Louise Connolly from Swords, who received the advocacy award for their initiative Be Allergy Aware. Their project consisted of giving talks to pupils and teachers in their schools, designing educational leaflets on allergies for children and teenagers, and setting up beallergyaware.com
King nominated for top ASTI post
Pat King has been nominated to succeed John White as general secretary of the 18,000-member Association of Secondary Teachers, Ireland, writes Sean Flynn, Education Editor. Mr King, the assistant general secretary, was selected by a 10-member interview panel on Friday.
His nomination must be ratified by the 180-member central executive of the ASTI but this is regarded as a formality. Mr King was the favourite for the post.
A former teacher, he is a long-time ASTI official, well known to many teachers for his work on welfare issues. He is set to take up his post in July.
Garda ombudsman to investigate death
The Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission has opened an investigation into the death of a 39-year-old man while in Garda custody at the weekend.
The dead man has been identified as Johnny Nevin of Templemore, Co Tipperary.
He had been taken into custody by gardaí at his home on Saturday.
He later became unwell at Templemore Garda station and was taken by ambulance to Nenagh hospital where he was later pronounced dead. The matter was referred to GSOC under section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005.
A postmortem took place yesterday afternoon at the Mid-West Regional Hospital, Limerick.