A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
Drink sales reprimand for two venues
Two entertainment venues, in Dublin and Wicklow, have been reprimanded by an industry watchdog body for the packaging and promotion of alcohol.
The MEAS code panel, to which the major drinks companies subscribe, said a Leaving Certificate party, promoted by the Purty Kitchen, Temple Bar, Dublin, last May, was "reprehensible''.
The panel added that the promotion of "drinking games" clearly fell within the category of irresponsible promotions and entailed a "disproportionate risk that they will lead directly to alcohol misuse and anti-social behaviour''.
There was nobody available at the Purty Kitchen last night to comment on the findings.
The panel also upheld a complaint relating to an alcohol promotion at Sally O'Brien's bar and nightclub, in Arklow, Co Wicklow, last June. The nightclub had advertised the event via text message and a Bebo website, promising "free bar between 8 and 9 and food on collection of your card", according to the panel.
Michael Hennebery, a director of the premises, said last night that the patrons who collected a membership card on the night of the promotion were given a free drink and food. "It was only one drink," he added.
Cowen to attend British meeting
Taoiseach Brian Cowen is to attend the next meeting of the British-Irish Council this Friday in Edinburgh, writes Deaglán de Bréadún.
Along with the British government, the other members of the council are the governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man.
Fr Cleary film wins award
The RTÉ documentary on the private life of the late Fr Michael Cleary has won the Prix Italia award.
The documentary, At Home with the Clearys, featured footage of Fr Cleary with his housekeeper, Phyllis Hamilton and their son, Ross. The relationship only became public when Fr Cleary died in the early 1990s.
Investigation into prisoner's death
An investigation is under way into the death of a woman at Limerick prison who died following a suspected drug overdose.
Pamela Graham (26), Caherdavin, Limerick, died last week, two weeks after she was found unconscious in her cell. Her family is seeking an independent inquiry.
Ms Graham was jailed for three years last April for having cocaine worth over €15,000 in 2006.
Erin Brockovich cancels address
American environmental campaigner Erin Brockovich cancelled a speaking appointment in Dublin scheduled for yesterday after taking ill.
She was due to speak at the Institute of International and European Affairs.