People found dead in truck container believed to be Vietnamese

Police in the UK have said they believe all 39 people found dead in a truck container in Essex last week were Vietnamese nationals.

Essex Police Assistant Chief Constable Tim Smith said investigators are now in direct contact with a number of families in Vietnam and the UK.

It comes as a 23-year-old man faces extradition to the UK to face charges over the discovery of the bodies.

Eamon Harrison from Mayobridge in County Down appeared before the High Court this morning on foot of a European Arrest Warrant.

McGregor fined €1,000 over Dublin pub assault

UFC fighter Conor McGregor at the Criminal courts of Justice in Dublin, 01-11-2019. Image: Brian Lawless/PA Wire/PA Images

Conor McGregor has been convicted and fined €1,000 for assaulting a man in a pub in Dublin last April.

The 31-year-old punched the man in the face after he refused several glasses of his own-brand whiskey, which he was handing out to people in the bar.

The court heard the UFC fighter has already paid compensation to the man, but the amount wasn't disclosed this afternoon.

His victim didn't attend today’s sentence hearing, but McGregor’s solicitor told the judge he accepts his client’s apology.

Patients sleeping on floors in Waterford psychiatric unit

Patient advocates are warning that serious overcrowding at the psychiatric unit in University Hospital Waterford is causing “intolerable distress” for patients and staff.

It comes after images emerged of patients sleeping on the floor of the unit as well as in chairs.

The Psychiatric Nurses Association (PNA) said there were 54 patients in the 44 bed unit earlier in the week.

The Labour Party health spokesperson Alan Kelly said the situation is “disgraceful.”

Protests continue over planned asylum seeker centre on Achill Island

The Achill Head Hotel on Achill Island, Co Mayo | Image: Facebook/The Achill Head Hotel

The Social Protection Minister say the ongoing opposition to the opening of new direct Provision centres around the country is at odds with the welcoming nature of Irish society.

Regina Doherty was speaking after the Government paused its plans to home 13 vulnerable women in a hotel on Achill Island.

The decision was taken amid ongoing protests outside the Head Hotel in Pollagh.

There have also been protests against the opening of centres in Oughterard, County Galway and Ballinamore, County Leitrim in recent weeks.

Central Bank issues new car insurance rules

The Central Bank has introduced strict new rules for car insurance.

It says the enhanced measures will increase transparency of information provided to customers.

Under the new rules from November 1st, insurers must provide more information on a renewal of motor insurance - including the premium paid in the previous year.

While the renewal notification period is being increased to give policyholders more time to consider their options.