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Fine Gael Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton

RTÉ reports:

Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Mr Bruton said in the event that charges continue in the future then those who were in default will have their bill pursued.

If water charges are to be scrapped in the future, then people who have already paid their bills will have to get their money back, he said.

It is proposed that Irish Water will be retained while the funding model for water will be examined by an independent commission and then an Oireachtas committee before a Dáil vote takes place on its recommendations.

Proposal to suspend water charges for at least nine months (RTE)

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A video posted on the Facebook page of NSW Green MP Jeremy Buckingham (which has since gone viral). To wit:

Gas explodes from Australian river near fracking site. I was shocked by force of the explosion when I tested whether gas boiling through the Condamine River, Qld was flammable. So much gas is bubbling through the river that it held a huge flame. There has been concern that fracking and extraction of coal seam gas could cause gas to migrate through the rock. Not only is it polluting the river and air, but methane is an extremely potent heat trapping gas. Fugitive emissions from the unconventional gas industry could be a major contributor to climate change and make gas as dirty as burning coal.

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Former Garda Commissioner Martin Callinan and former Justice Minister Alan Shatter

Further to the O’Higgins Commission’s report being handed to Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald yesterday, which hasn’t been published yet…

RTÉ reports:

The O’Higgins Commission of Inquiry has found that former minister for justice Alan Shatter took allegations of garda whistleblowers very seriously.

The unpublished report said he had very substantial concerns and had displayed active and personal concern.

Given that most of the allegations had been examined or were previously reviewed, the actions of the then minister were amply justified, it believes.

In relation to the former garda commissioner, Martin Callinan, the report states that clearly and unambiguously there was not a scintilla of evidence to support any allegation of any type of corruption.

The commission found that any aspersions on his integrity were unfounded and deeply hurtful.

It also said that exchanges between the garda commissioner, the justice minister and the Department of Justice were at all times professional and appropriate.

The O’Higgins Commission of Inquiry also found that garda whistleblower Maurice McCabe acted out of genuine and legitimate concerns.

It concluded the garda sergeant showed courage and performed a public service at considerable personal cost.

Report finds Shatter took garda whistleblower allegations very seriously (RTE)

Rollingnews

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This afternoon.

In the Dáil as statements are given on mental health services – following news last week that €12million of the €36million mental health budget is being transferred to other areas in the Department of Health.

John Mc tweetz:

Really looks like they give a fupp doesn’t it…

Previously: Fear Of The Unknown

Watch live here

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A trailer for the forthcoming Mattress Men – The Movie which will be premiered in Toronto at the Hot Docs Festival next Tuesday.

Brian, of El Zorrero Films, writes:

Brian “Mattress Man” Traynor explains how he motivates himself to get out of bed in the morning. The movie will tell the story of Paul and Mick, creators of the eccentric online persona ‘Mattress Mick’, who have their friendship challenged as they try to earn a living against the backdrop of a struggling Irish economy.

Mattress Men – The Movie (Facebook)

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This afternoon.

Counting for the Seanad elections in Trinity College Dublin.

Do you remain confused by the Seanad electoral process?

Don’t worry. It’s designed that way.

There are 60 seats in the senate.

Six senators are elected by graduates —  three each by the National University of Ireland and Trinity College Dublin.

43 are elected by local councillors, TDs and out-going senators to five panels [culture and education, agriculture, labour, industry and commerce, and public administration].

And 11 senators are nominated by the Taoiseach, whomever that might be.

Unfair Fight!!

Former TDs secure Seanad seats as election count continues (breakingnews)

Sam Boal/Rollingnews

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