Dozens of schoolchildren, their teachers and families at two primary and secondary schools are being tested for TB after separate outbreaks of the life-threatening condition.

RENOWNED for his fine intellect, mastery of the political put-down and often unyielding personality, Michael Noonan has always been seen as a tough-as-old-boots, old style politician, a man who fights on his terms; somebody who won’t be re-cast by shadowy backroom strategists.

A 14-year-old boy who took part in a serious arson attack on a primary school which caused more than €400,000 worth of damage, has been remanded on bail pending sentence by Judge Catherine Murphy at the Dublin Children’s Court.