Asylum
Minister for Children Roderic O'Gorman has defended the Government’s assertion that the UK’s Rwanda policy has caused an increase in the number of asylum seekers travelling to Ireland.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin previously said the UK government’s Rwanda scheme may have resulted in an increase in international protection applicants here.
Mr Martin made the comments after it emerged on Wednesday night that the State had a "severe shortage" of accommodation for Ukrainian refugees.
Weather warning
Met Éireann has issued a high temperature warning for the entire country as the mercury looks set to rise over 30 degrees from Sunday.
The forecaster has warned the UV solar index will be high over the coming days, while the warm weather will also being an increased risk of heat stress and water related incidents.
The warning will take effect from 6am on Sunday, lasting until 9pm on Tuesday.
All-Ireland Hurling Final
All-Ireland fever has hit Kilkenny and Limerick ahead of this weekend's All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.
The match will be staged in Croke Park on Sunday, with John Kiely's Shannonsiders hoping to claim their third successive title.
Brian Cody's charges have not been crowned champions since 2015, however, a blistering display in the semi-final against Clare will have the Cats in fighting form.
Throw-in on Sunday is at 3.30pm, with coverage on RTÉ and Sky Sports Arena.
Brother charged with sister's death
A Dublin man accused of firearms offences after the death of his sister Sandra Boyd has been further charged with killing the mother of five.
Derek Boyd appeared before Judge Victor Blake at Cloverhill District Court on Friday.
Sandra Boyd (36) was fatally wounded in a suspected accidental shooting incident at her house in Collins Place, Finglas, Dublin, shortly before 9pm on March 19th.
Emergency services rushed her to the Mater Hospital, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
The accused was remanded in custody pending the preparation of a book of evidence. Mr Boyd will appear again on July 22nd.
Hutch dismissal
Judges at the Special Criminal Court have refused to hear a bid by Gerard 'The Monk' Hutch to dismiss a charge against him.
Mr Hutch is accused of the murder of Kinahan gang member David Byrne at the Regency Hotel in 2016
Ruling on whether the court had the jurisdiction to hear Mr Hutch's application, presiding judge Ms Justice Tara Burns said that in order for the non-jury court to hear such a matter, a case must be sent forward for trial from the District Court.
As Mr Hutch was charged before the Special Criminal Court and not the District Court, the three judges rejected arguments that he would be discriminated against and receive unequal treatment if he was prevented from bringing an application before the non-jury court to dismiss the charge against him.
