A further four independent inquiries are to be set up into allegations of Garda misconduct, it has emerged.

The costs of failing to defeat Islamic State are rising to intolerable levels, both in lives tragically lost and dollars destroyed. A look at the numbers available suggests that the consequences of not acting outweigh the risks of a full-blown military boots-on-the-ground conflict.

Ireland faces quite a challenge meeting new standards designed to prevent money laundering ahead of a major international review next year, the Central Bank’s head of enforcement has said.

Almost 40,000 cases of suspected money-laundering were reported to gardaí in three years, but just 10 people were convicted of the crime during the same period.

Central Bank inspectors have raised concerns over lax controls in financial institutions aimed at combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

The Vatican has launched an internal, criminal investigation into the leaks of confidential documents which alleged corruption and financial mismanagement and exposed power struggles among Holy See officials, a Vatican prelate said today.

The Vatican has rewritten its 2010 anti-money laundering law after European inspectors found that it did not fully meet their tough standards to combat the financing of terrorism.

The UK has severed all financial ties with Iranian banks in an unprecedented move in response to mounting fears over the country’s nuclear ambitions.

THE Government plans to tighten up laws on money laundering by criminal groups and terrorist organisations.

NEW legislation to prevent funding for terrorists is to be given high priority when the Dáil returns in the autumn.

CASINO and gaming clubs in Ireland will have to comply with strict money laundering requirements under a bill published last night.

GAMING clubs are to be closed down under plans by Justice Minister Michael McDowell.

FEW people have been prosecuted for money laundering in Ireland, despite the existence of powerful legislation, according to an international study.

Irish casinos could be used for money laundering and terrorist financing due to a lack of regulation, an international task force warned tonight.

BUILDERS, bookmakers and garages are among a range of businesses to be targeted under tough new money laundering proposals drawn up by the European Commission.