Other News In Brief

Dáil Told Of Woman Refused Abortion At Dublin Hospital

A woman who was carrying a baby with a fatal foetal abnormality has been denied an abortion at a Dublin hospital, according to two TD's speaking in the Dáil.

The matter was raised by PBP-Solidarity TD's Ruth Coppinger and Bríd Smith during the session's Order of Business.

The woman attended Coombe Hospital in the city and was told by two consultants that she must wait four weeks "to see if there is a spontaneous miscarriage", according to Mrs Coppinger.

Tánaiste Simon Coveney said the case was a matter for doctors and that the law is very clear.

Labour: Phone Operators Responsible For Blocking Scam Calls

The Labour Party is urging phone service providers in Ireland to block fraudulent callers from contacting members of the public.

Communications Spokesperson Seán Sherlock TD's calls follow Three's announcement that premium rate calls can now be blocked, and he hopes this mechanism can be used to protect the most vulnerable in society from intrusions into their private accounts.

He said: "Two years ago I called on the Minister for Justice and the Minister for Communications to take steps to protect vulnerable members of the public from these scam phone calls which can range from attempting to gain access to a personal computer to perpetrating bank transactions. Usually the victims are vulnerable people who are frightened by the sophistication of the calls and the hours in which they occur, usually late at night or early in the morning.

"ComReg and the Government must take a more proactive role in protecting the public as best they can from these nefarious fraudsters. I would encourage anyone who believes a family member or neighbour to be vulnerable to such activity to talk with them on the importance of safety on the phone if you don't know the person. Genuine representatives will always call back."

MEP Brian Crowley Set To Retire On Health Grounds

The MEP for Ireland South, Brian Crowley, has announced that he is to retire from politics.

The 54-year-old is the longest serving Irish MEP in Europe but has took the decision not to seek re-election to the European Parliament this May.

Mr Crowley said that a sustained period of ill-health over recent years has forced his retirement, "despite his best-efforts to regain full health".

He added that it breaks his heart to leave a job he loves, but that he "counts his blessings" after topping the polls since 1994.

"No-one received more support, in sickness and in health, than me from my constituents over the past 25 years. It has been a privilege and a joy to serve such wonderful people."



(JG/CM)