Solicitor barricades himself into Killiney home

Solicitor Brian O'Donnell has effectively barricaded himself into his Killiney home, assisted by members of the "new land league", in an effort to prevent the banks taking possession of it.

Members of the land league anti-repossession movement have blocked the entrance.

The group says they were invited by the O'Donnell family on the understanding a receiver would arrive toda, to the house at Gorse Hill on Vico Road, in Killiney in Dublin, once valued at €30m.

Mr O'Donnell and his wife were pursued for a debt of €71.5m by Bank of Ireland when it began court proceedings to repossess their home.

Speaking through the self styled "new land league", Mr O'Donnell said he would not be attending a court hearing this afternoon where an injunction is being sought against a possession order.

Mr O'Donnell also wished to stress his adult children have left the property complying with the court order.

He is present in the house.

He has said after today's court hearings he will speak to the media.

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Call for blanket ban on bedsits to be amended

The Residential Landlords Association has criticised Minister for the Environment Alan Kelly over his commitment to tackle rising rents.

Speaking on RTÉ's Today with Sean O'Rourke, Fintan McNamara said Minister Kelly's pledge to implement rent control would result in a shortage of accommodation.

Mr McNamara called on the minister to amend the blanket ban on bedsits to address the housing crisis.

"If rent control comes in and the market is depressed many of those landlords will say 'to hell with it, I'm not going to bother with this anymore.

"It's not worth the effort'. In 2002, only 8% of the housing stock was privately rented," he said.

"It went up to 18% in 2011 and it could sharply fall again if draconian measures are introduced and are not thought out properly like the blanket ban on bedsits," Mr McNamara added.

Meanwhile, Focus Ireland has welcomed the commitment by Minister Kelly to take action on the issue of rising rents.

At the Labour Party conference at the weekend, he said he would bring proposals to Cabinet under which tenants would have their rents fixed and linked to the rate of inflations.

Landlords would also have to justify an increase in rents by refurbishing the property.

Some rent increases by landlords are "absolutely scandalous" and need to be brought to an end, Minister Kelly said.

Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, Focus Ireland's Director of Advocacy Mike Allen, said that due to increasing rents, 52 families had been forced out of the private rental market in January.

He said there needs to be urgent action on rent control due to a risk of landlords hiking rents in response to the minister's announcement.

"The people we're concerned about are at the bottom end of the market where they're struggling to get any home and they are not in a strong negotiating position.

""So he [Minister Kelly] needs to introduce something which is mandatory and which covers everybody in the market and comes in very quickly," Mr Allen said.

"We recognise that this is a very complex issue and we're not just out to have a go at landlords.

"Landlords need to have a decent return on their income and we don't want to frighten them out of providing homes but we do need urgent balanced action on this from the minister," he added.

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Teachers cannot veto reform, says minister

Minister for Education Jan O'Sullivan has said she would like to proceed on reforms of the junior cycle with the full co-operation of the teaching unions, but she cannot allow them to veto reform.

Ms O'Sullivan said she would be willing to further engage with teacher unions about reforms but only on the basis of the recommendations made in the Travers report.

The minister said she had a duty to move forward and implement the reforms because they were in the interest of students.

Last week the two main teachers unions said Dr Pauric Travers' proposals did not represent a comprehensive resolution but a basis for further negotiations.

But the minister said there would be no more negotiations and that she would proceed with the reforms. 

Asked on RTÉ's News at One if she would consider disciplining those who refused to implement the changes Ms O'Sullivan said she would "consider what needs to be done if it comes to that".

She said the reforms on the table were now different to those that teachers had mandated their unions to oppose.

She said she had not seen "one step of movement" from the unions in relation to assessment and she believed "the ball was now in their court."

She also said she believed there were a significant number of teachers that wanted to move forward.

Her remarks come as Department of Education officials are set to outline plans for the roll out of junior cycle reform to various education groups.

Officials are to meet students, parents' representatives and management bodies.

They have been positive towards the reform proposals outlined in a document by Dr Travers.

Today's meeting follows the decision by the Teachers' Union of Ireland and Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland to reject Dr Travers' proposals as a basis for agreement.

The two unions have said second-level teachers will not co-operate with implementation of the reforms.

But they also say further closures of schools as a result of strike action are unlikely this year, even though a directive allowing for such action remains in place.

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Over 6,000 dead in Ukraine conflict - UN

The estimated number of people killed in eastern Ukraine since the start of the conflict in April last year has surpassed 6,000 for the first time, the United Nations human rights office said.

The escalation in fighting since the start of 2015 has resulted in heavy casualties with the civilian population trapped in areas controlled by armed groups suffering the most.

The release of the report coincides with a meeting between US Secretary of State John Kerry and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in Geneva today.

The discussions are expected to be dominated by the conflict in eastern Ukraine and the fatal shooting of the Russian opposition politician Boris Nemtsov Moscow on Friday.

Mr Kerry is expected to press Mr Lavrov to ensure that Moscow carries out a credible investigation into the assassination of Mr Nemtsov.

The two men briefly shook hands for the cameras, but the atmosphere was tense and they did not make any statements.

The meeting comes only days after Mr Kerry accused Russian officials of lying "to my face" about Moscow's involvement in the Ukraine conflict, which has triggered the worst post-Cold War crisis between the US and its European allies, and Russia.

A senior State Department official told reporters travelling with Mr Kerry that he had been referring to "the Russian propaganda machine."

What Moscow says is happening in Ukraine "doesn't correspond to the facts on the ground," the official said.

Weeks of heavy fighting, particularly around Donetsk airport and the Debaltseve area cost hundreds of lives, the UN report said, with vulnerable groups including women, children and the elderly particularly affected.

Public institutions have been badly damaged in the fighting, with power outages and shortage of supplies affecting hundreds of thousands of people.

More than 400,000 people have been left without power, heating, water and food in various settlements of the conflict for more than a month.

A fragile ceasefire has been in place since 15 February with a drop in violence and moves by both sides to withdraw heavy weapons from the front line raising hopes that it could hold.

But Ukraine's military said yesterday that it thought pro-Russian rebels were using the truce to regroup for new attacks on government positions.

UN Human Rights Chief Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called on all sides to respect a fragile peace deal, and "halt the indiscriminate shelling and other hostilities that have created a dreadful situation for civilians."

Mr Kerry is expected to warn Mr Lavrov that the US and EU are already working on another round of sanctions if Moscow does not adhere to the new ceasefire deal, US officials said.

Meanwhile, Ukraine's military said today that one Ukrainian serviceman was killed and four wounded in separatist eastern territories in the past 24 hours,underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire deal.

Nonetheless, Ukraine reported a sharp drop in attacks from pro-Russian separatists over the weekend and said it was continuing to pull back heavy weapons from the front line.
              
But it warned that rebels were using the truce to regroup for new attacks on government positions.
 

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Dwyer sent 847 texts to O'Hara's phone, court told

847 text messages were sent from Graham Dwyer's work phone to Elaine O'Hara's phone between January 15 2008 and December 4 2009, the Central Criminal Court has been told.

Detective Garda Paul Kane gave evidence that he received Vodafone records relating to Mr Dwyer's phone number from his employer A & D Wejchert and Partners.

He examined the records with a view to determining any contact between Mr Dwyer's work phone and Ms O'Hara's mobile phone number. 

He discovered there were 847 texts sent by Mr Dwyer to Ms O'Hara between January 2008 and December 2009 as well as one phone call directly to her message minder.

The text messages began on January 15 2008 when Graham Dwyer sent 14 texts to Ms O'Hara's number.

Six texts were sent the following day and 22 texts were sent on the 17 January 2008. The texts continue through 2008 and 2009.

The court heard 24 texts were sent from Graham Dwyer to Ms O'Hara on 3 October 2008 and 53 texts were sent on 13 January 2009.

Mr Dwyer has pleaded not guilty to murdering Ms O'Hara on 22 August 2012.

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Aer Lingus reassures employees over IAG bid

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Stephen Kavanagh has moved to reassure employees that if the International Airlines Group bid for the airline goes ahead, growth opportunities will continue to be delivered under current employment terms and conditions.

In a bulletin to staff issued this morning, Mr Kavanagh tells employees that he sees the IAG bid as an endorsement and vote of confidence in what the airline has achieved in recent years.

He reiterates the board's view that the combination of Aer Lingus and IAG has a compelling strategic rationale and will deliver significant benefits to all stakeholders in Aer Lingus.

Mr Kavanagh says that increased access to global markets will accelerate and increase growth prospects - particularly in areas like ground handling, flight operations, in-flight services, maintenance and many support functions.

He states: "Such growth opportunities will continue to be delivered under current employment terms and conditions and be governed by existing collective agreements."

Unions have sought guarantees regarding job security and have voiced fears that terms and conditions could be eroded following a takeover.

Mr Kavanagh says that in a combination with IAG, Aer Lingus would benefit from the revenue that would flow from membership of the Atlantic Joint Business with British Airways and American Airlines and broader one world Alliance.

He notes that Aer Lingus would retain its brand, location and independence as an operating company within IAG - while benefiting from all the cost advantages of scale that such a combination would deliver.

He says the 2014 preliminary results - which show profits up 18% to €72m - demonstrate the underlying strength of the business.

Mr Kavanagh cites the continued expansion of transatlantic routes, resilient short haul performance, and improved contribution from cargo and contract flying units as providing the airline with a strong foundation.

However, he warns that the immediate challenge is to maintain and improve profitability through 2015 and beyond.

He says that as a demand-led business Aer Lingus must compete for customers on a daily basis, and asks employees to continue focus on delivering best in class customer service and cost management.

He says that he will work diligently to achieve those goals. 

Mr Kavanagh concludes by saying that he will continue to meet with staff and other stakeholders to communicate what he believes to be the compelling rationale for a combination with IAG.

However, he notes that this does not detract from their ability to grow a strong Aer Lingus on a stand-alone basis, adding that they have proven their ability to do this.

He says that it simply reflects the significantly increased opportunity for accelerated growth and success that a combination with IAG would deliver.

Mr Kavanagh also notes that the combination with IAG reduces the risks associated with accessing such growth.

Taoiseach: Options under continuous observation

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said the options regarding the sale or retention of the State's shareholding in Aer Lingus are matters that are under continuous observation. 

Speaking in Castlebar, Enda Kenny said Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe had not been in a position to recommend the sale to the Cabinet last week and that - as of now - there was no change in that view. 

He said Mr Donohoe was monitoring the situation and would revert to Government if things changed. 

The Taoiseach said it was his understanding that Mr Walsh wanted to "consider he position somewhat further". 

Mr Kenny said the Government would wait to see what might emerge as a result of that. 

He said there was no time-frame for a conclusive decision but that "you can't let these things drag on for too long".

Commenting on the IAG bid for Aer Lingus, Agriculture Minister Simon Coveney said the ball is now in IAG's court.

He said his Cabinet colleague Minister Donohoe has made it clear that what is on offer is not enough to persuade the Government to sell its stake but Minister Donohoe is open to offers.

Minister Coveney would not comment on the Labour Party motion setting out conditions for any sale of the Government's stake, only to say that it was not unexpected.  

He added that if Labour has concerns they will be discussed at Cabinet but ultimately, it will be a Government decision.

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Plan to penalise firms backing big tobacco queried

Former attorney general Michael McDowell believes it would be unlawful for the Government to seek to impose blanket bans on legal firms who act for big tobacco tendering for legal services advertised by the State.

Last week, Minister for Children James Reilly said he is seeking legal advice on whether he can block certain legal firms from taking on work with his department.

The legal firms in question represent tobacco companies, which have threatened to sue the State if the Government continues with its legislative plan to introduce plain packaging on cigarettes sold in Ireland.

Mr McDowell said some recent media commentary suggested the Government effectively wanted to have nothing to do with legal firms acting for big tobacco.

Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, the former tánaiste said: "I don't think that would be lawful. I don't think that would be a reasonable condition for most tenders in relation to most legal services."

Mr McDowell, who is a barrister as well as a former minister for justice, cited the example of a firm of solicitors working for the State on a case around removing a child from its parents into State care.

He said this would have no connection with which side the same law firm may have acted for in relation to plain packaging for cigarettes.

He added that if there was an area of legal services that related to the direct consumption of tobacco, then there were potential conflict of interest questions for solicitors if they were also seeking State work around the implementation of preventative health programmes.

There has been considerable controversy around the subject since it emerged that law firm Arthur Cox, which works for the HSE, was also representing Japan Imperial Tobacco in its threatened legal action against the State in relation to plain packaging of cigarettes.

The same firm also acts for the recently established child and family support agency, Tusla, in Mr Reilly's department.

Mr McDowell said the Government could not say to firms of solicitors that if they have anything to do with a particular form of litigation, they would be "blacked" from certain forms of work if there was not a rational and defensible legal basis for doing so.

He said he was sure the current Attorney General would advise ministers on how far can they can go down the road of potentially excluding legal firms who act for big tobacco from accessing Government work.

Mr McDowell said that personally he had a good deal of sympathy with Mr Reilly's position on plain packaging. 

He said he thought the perception that the Government was being threatened not to proceed with its legislative programme on plain packaging of tobacco had annoyed some ministers.

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Nationwide snow and ice warning issued

Met Éireann has issued a nationwide snow and ice warning, while gardaí have asked road users to exercise care.

Met Éireann's status yellow warning cautions that a cold air mass from Canada will bring snow showers over the next few days.

The agency warns that in the west and north snow will accumulate over hills, with several centimetres of snow also likely at low levels.

It says slight accumulations are possible elsewhere, along with icy patches.

Share your weather images via yourphotos@rte.ie

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Labour backs motion rejecting IAG's Aer Lingus bid

The Labour Party has overwhelmingly passed a motion calling on the Government to reject a bid by the International Airlines Group for shares in Aer Lingus if concerns about the sale are not addressed. 

The motion was passed at the party's national convention, as its members want guarantees on the future of Aer Lingus before any sale of State shares in the airline can take place.

The motion, which was signed by eight TDs, expresses concern that a bid by the International Airlines Group to buy the State's share in the airline does not reflect the true value of Aer Lingus.

It calls for an independent valuation of the company's assets and its slots at London's Heathrow Airport.

The motion also looks for a commitment to prevent the outsourcing of jobs and compulsory redundancies at the airline, and it looks for guarantees on connectivity and Heathrow slots.

It also calls for a plan for Cork and Shannon airports, taking into account their impact on their individual regions.

Proposing the motion, Dublin North TD Brendan Ryan said the objection to the current deal was "not out of political self interest, but because it is a bad deal".

Mr Ryan added: "We have not heard any valid reason for example why IAG cannot purchase the other 75% of the company and work with the Irish State".

"We will not risk the future of the airline and its workers," he added.

Dublin Central TD Joe Costello seconded the motion saying Aer Lingus "had a fine past and a great future".

"All the heavy hitters are out, from all quarters, seeking to rubbish any objection to the sale as parish pump politics," said Mr Costello.

"We have to put down a very strong marker. We have to use our leverage of the 25.1% in relation to the Heathrow slots.

"We have to ensure air connectivity. We have to ensure the national interest is protected. We have to ensure the livelihoods of all the employees and the tens of thousands of people who are working in tourism and the international investment that has come abroad in to this country," added Mr Costello.

Before the motion was passed, Minister for Rural Affairs Ann Phelan said she commended the motion and she re-iterated the serious concerns in the motion by reading them out.

Last night, during her first party conference address as Labour Party leader, Tánaiste Joan Burton said a key plank of her party's platform for the next election is to give every child two years of free pre-school.

She also promised to increase the minimum wage if it is approved by the low-pay commission this summer.

The Labour conference, which is being held in Killarney, Co Kerry, will finish with a debate on "Marriage Equality" this afternoon. 

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No extra funds to administer water grant

The Government will not be providing any extra resources to cover the administrative cost of the controversial €100 Water Conservation Grant, despite an insistence from Tánaiste Joan Burton's department that it could not perform the extra work from existing funds.

Speaking on RTÉ's This Week, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Brendan Howlin said the Department of Social Protection would have to cover the cost from "within the confines of the administrative budget they already have".

He said that it was the Government's expectation in this case that the department's staff would have to do more work without getting any extra funding.

It follows the revelation by RTÉ last month of documents showing that the administration of the conservation grant would lead to additional costs, including consultancy, legal and procurement costs, on top of the €100 pay out.

The revelation was contained in a letter from the Secretary General of Tánaiste Burton's department.

It said she needed the extra resources, which includes the cost of extra staff, to oversee and manage the payment of the new grant.

The letter was written in November by Niamh O'Donoghue, Secretary General at the Department of Social Protection, to her counterpart Robert Watt, at Minister's Howlin's Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.

She warned that in light of the Government's revised approach to water charges, her department will require additional resources for the Water Conservation Grant (WGC).

Ms O'Donoghue said delivery of the grant "imposes an additional burden on the department" and, "resourcing the processing/payment of WCG applications in 2015 and beyond needs to be addressed and cannot be accommodated from within the existing resource/admin budget allocation".

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