Graham Dwyer case
Convicted murderer Graham Dwyer has won a significant victory at Europe’s top court in his challenge concerning the mobile phone metadata evidence used to convict him.
The Court of Justice of the EU ruled that EU law precludes the "general and indiscriminate" retention of traffic and location data relating to electronic communication for the purpose of combating serious crime.
Mobile phone data was used prominently by the prosecution in Dwyer’s trial for the murder of childcare worker Elaine O’Hara in 2015.
The case must now go back to the Supreme Court which will deliver its final judgment later on the State’s appeal.
There is no certainty the CJEU findings will lead to success for Dwyer in his separate appeal to the Court of Appeal against his conviction.
Russian coal and oil ban
The Taoiseach said he would back an EU ban on coal and oil imports from Russia over its war in Ukraine.
Micheál Martin said the European Union must keep adding pressure on Moscow to stop its “appalling and immoral war” on the people of Ukraine.
It comes as the EU’s executive branch proposed a ban on coal imports from Russia in what would be the first sanctions targeting the country’s lucrative energy industry over its war in Ukraine.
Cost of living
Meanwhile, the Tánaiste has warned that the rise in inflation and the cost-of-living crisis will impact the country for years to come.
Leo Varadkar said the cost of living pressures is an international crisis that cannot be solely blamed on the war in Ukraine.
Mr Varadkar said that, while the Government can respond to the price rises, it cannot bring in new measures to offset a particular price increase every few weeks.
Artists' basic income
A new scheme will see 2,000 artists given a basic income of €325 per week, after plans were approved by the Government.
The Basic Income for the Arts pilot scheme was launched by ministers today.
The scheme is to open for applications on April 12th and artists will be selected at random. They will receive the payment over three years.
