The niece of the Limerick bachelor who collapsed and died after he went to confront two burglars in his quiet rural home described how a few dark minutes on a beautiful day changed the lives of her family forever.

The health minister’s decision to end the permanent ban on blood donations by gay men has lead to a young man withdrawing his High Court challenge to the ban.

Businessman Denis O’Brien’s action against a Dáil committee over speeches made in the House concerning his banking affairs has been fixed for hearing in November.

The Dáil is opposing a request from businessman Denis O’Brien for voluntary discovery of documents for his action over speeches made in the Dáil about his banking affairs with IBRC.

Former minister for justice Alan Shatter is not proceeding with his claim of a "reasonable apprehension of bias" on the part of barrister Sean Guerin in preparing his report concerning Mr Shatter’s handling of complaints by Garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe.