Carrickmines fire inquest returns verdicts of death by misadventure

The jury in the Carrickmines fire inquest has returned verdicts of misadventure in relation to the deaths of ten people. 

Five adults and five children from two Traveller families died when a fire broke out in a mobile home at the south Dublin halting site in 2015. 

Before retiring earlier today, the jurors were told they had no role to play in establishing who – if anyone – was to blame for what happened. 

Their job was to consider who died, where they died and how they died. 

Coveney admits hard border “very difficult” to prevent without Brexit deal

The Tánaiste has admitted it will be “very difficult” to prevent a return to a hard border in Ireland if the UK crashes out of the EU without a deal.

Simon Coveney was speaking after the European Commission’s chief spokesman said it was “pretty obvious” that a hard Brexit will lead to a hard border in Ireland.

Ireland, the UK and the EU have all said they are committed to ensuring the borders of the past do not re-emerge in Ireland – however, it remains unclear how it can be avoided with no sign of an end to the impasse ahead of the March 29th Brexit date.

Minister Coveney said the Government has no plans to erect border infrastructure regardless of what happens in the talks.

Search for missing plane carrying footballer Emiliano Sala suspended for the night

Police searching for a light aircraft missing over the Channel since last night have suspended operations after finding "floating objects" but "no sign of those on board."

Guernsey Police said if the occupants, including Cardiff City player Emiliano Sala, landed on the water, their chances of survival are slim.

In a statement, the force said: "During the course of the 15-hour search, which used multiple air and sea assets from the Channel Islands, UK and France, a number of floating objects have been seen in the water.

"We have been unable to confirm whether any of these are from the missing aircraft. We have found no signs of those on board. If they did land on the water, the chances of survival are at this stage, unfortunately, slim."

Commission into Mother and Baby Homes to take another year to report

The Government has approved an extension for the Commission into Mother and Baby Homes.

The commission will take another year to report, despite already being a year past deadline.

It sought an extension and had been due to give results next month.

Now the Government has approved a further 12 month extension - with the volume of work being larger than expected.

Irish co-production The Favourite receives 10 Oscar nominations

A number of Irish films and filmmakers have received Oscar nominations.

This year's Academy Award nominees were revealed this afternoon, with Irish co-production The Favourite receiving a total of 10 nominations.

It leads the pack alongside Alfonso Cuaron's Roma, which has also received nominations across 10 categories.

The Favourite - which was co-produced by Dublin's Element Pictures - is among eight best picture nominees.