Asylum application process to be reformed
The Government is preparing to streamline the asylum application process.
Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald told her Cabinet colleagues today that she was proposing a single procedure rather than a process that involved the involvement of a number of offices and possible appeals to the minister.
Separately, a committee examining the system of direct provision for refugees and asylum seekers is due to report by Easter.
Small decrease in number of births nationally
New research into the later stages of pregnancy and first weeks of life shows there was a small decrease in the total number of births nationally from 2012 to 2013.
According to findings from the National Perinatal Statistics Report Group, the birth rate for Ireland has declined from a high of 16.8% in 2008 to 15.6% in 2012 and 15% in 2013.
The study also shows, however, that between 2004 and 2013, the total annual number of births increased by 11%.
The findings show the average age of mothers in 2013 increased by 1.3 years to 32.1 years, when compared with those who gave birth in 2004.
Some 20% of first births were to women aged 35 years or older, compared to 13% in 2004
Bailey jury to hear closing arguments this week
The jury in Ian Bailey's High Court action for wrongful arrest has been told it will hear closing arguments from both sides later this week.
Legal argument will take place today in the absence of the jury.
Mr Bailey is suing the Garda Commissioner and the State for wrongful arrest and conspiracy arising out of the conduct of gardaí during the investigation into the murder of Sophie Toscan Du Plantier in 1996. The claims are denied.
The case has heard from around 90 witnesses over 59 hearing days which began on 4 November last year.
NCAD students occupy boardroom
Up to 300 students at the National College of Art and Design occupied the college's boardroom and staffroom today in protest at what they say is the college's failure to address concerns about resources.
They ended their sit-in this afternoon after they were addressed by Director Declan McGonagle.
However, the students said that if their concerns around overcrowding and a lack of resources are not addressed they will escalate their protest action.
Tunisia delays museum re-opening
Tunisia's national museum delayed a planned reopening after last week's attack on foreign tourists due to security concerns.
A spokeswoman said: "We have been surprised at the last minute, but the interior ministry says that for security reasons we cannot receive a large number of visitors".
She added that an official ceremony marking the reopening of the museum would still go ahead.
Officials at the Bardo Museum had planned to allow the public back in today, six days after an attack claimed by the Islamic State group killed 21 people.
China executes three over mass stabbing
China has executed three people for a mass stabbing in which 31 people were killed last year, the country's top court said.
Authorities blamed the attack on separatists from mainly Muslim Xinjiang.
The three were executed for "leading a terrorist organisation and intentional homicide", the Supreme People's Court said in a microblog post.
The bloodshed in Kunming, in the southwestern province of Yunnan, also saw more than 140 people wounded.
