A criminal investigation is under way in Uganda following a second case of financial irregularities in the disbursement of foreign aid.

Comments by a junior minister that young people were being “handed” the dole and spending it on drink have been described as “moronic” by a party colleague.

Up to 2,000 Cork and Kerry children suffering from serious orthopaedic problems will no longer have to endure lengthy trips to Dublin to receive the care they need.

PROFESSOR Richard Greene, clinical director of the Cork University Hospital Group, said while he accepts criticism in relation to the slow pace of change in reforming services at Mallow General Hospital, the kind of change envisaged could not be achieved overnight.