Travellers rights group Pavee Point has described as "extremely insulting" reports that a District Court judge described burglars as "knackers" against whom "maximum force" be used.

The Court of Criminal Appeal has dismissed on appeals by five Dublin men, described by a Garda Chief Superintendent as members of the Dublin Brigade of the Provisional IRA, against their convictions for membership of an illegal organisation.

The Court of Criminal Appeal has reserved judgement on appeals by five Dublin men, described by a garda chief superintendent as members of the Dublin Brigade of the Provisional IRA, against their convictions for membership of an illegal organisation.

Gardaí found documents relating to the movements of a number of TD's in a briefcase taken from the home of a Dublin man accused of IRA membership, the Special Criminal Court heard today.

Four Dublin men arrested after an off duty Special Branch detective spotted suspicious activity in Bray, Co Wicklow last week were taking part in an IRA operation, the Special Criminal Court was told today.