Gardaí say it is very disappointing to see serious drink driving cases being struck out of court over the use of handcuffs when arresting suspects.

The Garda Representative Association claims there is a lack of clear protocols on when they can and cannot use handcuffs, leading to judges throwing out some cases when they come before the courts.

A motion urging the Garda Commissioner to provide officers with directions on arresting people will be debated at the GRA's Annual Conference in Killarney in Co. Kerry today.

The conference will also discuss calls for a full time public order unit for Dublin and proposals for every Garda division to be equipped with a 24/7 armed support unit.

***

313 women from 40 countries were helped in 2018 by Ruhama, the organisation that offers support to women affected by prostitution.

The organisation’s annual report shows that it also aided 122 women who were victims of trafficking.

Ruhama's services are tailored for each individual and include counselling, emergency response, housing and education.

It comes after Gardaí stopped 36 people over the weekend in six areas on suspicion of having purchased sexual services.

***

The board of the group that runs University Hospital Waterford is facing calls to appear before the Oireachtas Health Committee.

Yesterday, the South/South West Hospital Group rejected claims that bodies were being stored on trolleys in corridors at the hospital because of a lack of capacity in the mortuary.

It said there is no evidence that would substantiate the claims – which were included in a letter signed by four consultant pathologists working at the hospital.

Sinn Féin TD for Waterford, David Cullinane, has called for all stakeholders to appear before the Oireachtas to get to the bottom of what is happening.

***

Frustrated parents are set to protest outside the Dáil later, calling for equal access to education for children with special needs.

Advocacy group 'Enough is Enough Every Voice Counts' said the current system is like a lottery.

They say there's a need for more Autism Spectrum Disorder classes, special schools and better supports in mainstream schools.

***

The EU's chief Brexit negotiator says he hopes to know the outcome of talks designed to break the deadlock in the coming week.

Michel Barnier said the result of the discussions between the Labour Party and Tory government will be very important.

Following yesterday's meeting between the two sides, Theresa May's effective deputy, David Lidington was upbeat.

He said both political parties understood the need to inject greater urgency into the negotiations.