New deal for Defence Forces, special needs assistants, and gang related merchandise

A new deal has been struck to buy hundreds of new state of the art vehicles with new capabilities that could allow Ireland to take a greater role in peacekeeping missions abroad, and in defence of the island should the need arise.The Taoiseach, Michael Martin, has defended the government’s decision to pause a review into how special needs assistants (SNAs) are allocated at schools saying it hadn’t been signed off by ministers.The Irish Museum of Modern Art has said its cultural significance is being “entirely overlooked” in plans to renovate its building in west Dublin.More than 150 people who presented as children seeking international protection in Ireland over the last two years were assessed to have been adults. Tusla said 86 people last year and 67 in 2024 were referred to the Department of Justice’s International Protection Office.Gardaí have discovered gang related merchandise, including branded clothing. The homes of 11 senior top tier gang members, also known as the Neo Black Movement in Ireland, were raided. It said the group had been linked to the theft and laundering of €94 million since 2020.Residents and businesses around Carlingford Lough have told The Irish Times a new bridge linking Warrenpoint in south Down, to Omeath in north Louth, will be a welcome boost to both towns.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.