Russian sanctions
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has backed a call for the Dáil to vote soon to formally censure Russian actions at the border of Ukraine.
The move would come after the EU agreed measures on Tuesday, blacklisting more Russian politicians, lawmakers and officials, banning EU investors from trading in Russian state bonds, and targeting imports and exports with separatist entities.
Speaking in the Dáil on Wednesday after Ukraine imposed a state of emergency, Mr Martin again condemned Russian actions, adding: "Russia’s behaviour deserves the unequivocal condemnation of everyone in this house, and our support as a country for Ukrainian sovereignty, territorial integrity and right to choose its own foreign security policies is unwavering."
Tallaght shooting
A man in his 50s is still being detained after a shooting on farmland in Co Dublin on Tuesday.
It is understood that Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in connection with the shooting, which has left a man in his 30s in a critical condition.
A legally held firearm was recovered after the shooting and a dog was also understood to have been shot during the incident.
Facebook whistle-blower
Facebook whistle-blower Frances Haugen appeared before an Oireachtas committee on Wednesday afternoon, calling for an independent review of the State's Data Protection Commission.
Ms Haugen, who left her job with Facebook last year, claims the company is guilty of putting profits ahead of public safety.
Ms Haugen said Ireland has failed to properly regulate multinationals and should establish a confidential line for potential tech informers.
Corruption allegations
There were ugly scenes in the Dáil earlier today as a row about housing descended into accusations of corruption between the Taoiseach Micheál Martin and Sinn Féin leader, Mary Lou McDonald.
During leaders’ questions, Mr Martin offered an angry riposte after Ms McDonald claimed Fianna Fáil has a historic “corrupt” relationship with the private construction industry.
Mr Martin said Sinn Féin should be "the last party to talk to anybody about corruption", claiming Ms McDonald consistently tries to "rewrite the narrative and bury the truth of the level of corruption" within her party.
Ashling Murphy murder accused
A man charged with the murder of teacher Ashling Murphy has been further remanded in custody pending formal directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Jozef Puska (31) with an address of Lynally Grove, Mucklagh, Co Offaly, was initially remanded in custody on January 19th.
Mr Puska is due to appear in court again on March 9th.
