Garda Commissioner apologised to Stack family

He claims a past report by the Serious Crime Review Team found 194 errors in the original investigation, and that a final report is now before the commissioner.

The Garda Commissioner Drew Harris has apologised to the family of murdered prison officer Brian Stack.

Mr Stack - who worked at Portlaoise Prison - was shot in the neck by the IRA in Dublin in 1983 and died 18 months later.

His son, Austin, has previously accused the Gardaí of frustrating the inquiry into his murder.

Ursula von der Leyen says backstop must be defended

The nominee for the European Commission presidency has said the Irish border backstop is “precious, important and has to be defended.”

Ursula von der Leyen this afternoon warned British politicians that it is their responsibility to “sort out” the UKs exit from the EU.

“Though I still hope you remain, it is in our interests to have you sort things out,” she said.

She said the backstop of utmost importance and we absolutely know how crucial this non-existent border is” for Ireland.

Agriculture Minister says Mercosur trade agreement "not a done deal"

The Minister for Agriculture has said the controversial Mercosur trade deal is “not a done deal” after over a thousand farmers protested outside the Dáil.

The free trade deal between the EU, Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay is the largest Europe has ever signed – covering a population of 780 million people.

The plan, which will allow the South American countries to export 99,000 tonnes of beef to the EU every year, has been heavily criticised in Irelandamid concerns over its effect on the world’s climate and its impact on Irish farmers.

More than 1,000 farmers from the Beef Plan Movement protested outside Leinster House this afternoon warning that an influx of cheaper beef will damage their industry.

British ambassador to US quits amid memos row

The British ambassador to the United States has resigned his post, amid a row over leaked memos that were critical of US President Donald Trump.

Kim Darroch said the furore over the messages, in which he called the US president "inept", was "making it impossible for me to carry out my role as I would like".

"Since the leak of official documents from this embassy there has been a great deal of speculation surrounding my position and the duration of my remaining term as ambassador," he said in a letter to Simon McDonald, the permanent under-secretary at the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

"I want to put an end to that speculation.

Events mark 60th anniversary of women joining Gardaí

A Women's Network is to be set up in An Garda Síochána, to mark 60 years since women were able to join.

In July 1959, following a long-running campaign by civic groups, 12 women joined the force and were stationed at Pearse Street station.

There are currently 3,780 women serving - making up 27% of Garda members.

This is above the European average for female representation within police services.