Ireland

Operating theatre floors at the National Children’s Hospital have been replaced three times because of poor workmanship, while further defects have appeared in bathroom pods. It is another complication for the project. In government, Fine Gael has moved to block a housing support measure proposed by the Taoiseach.

A proposed deal to end the Drumcree parade dispute has been rejected by both the DUP and the Orange Order, who described the terms as unacceptable. Elsewhere, a law intended to stop rape victims from being questioned about their sexual history in court is reportedly failing to work. In Dublin, Dundrum residents held a public meeting to denounce a bus plan for their village that they have labeled madcap.

Leaked emails to the health minister show public anger over the decision to phase out private maternity care, with some women accusing the government of grandstanding. On the sports front, the football association has hired a clinical psychologist for the men’s team ahead of a match against Israel. In Waterford, a conservative US university is seeking to open a campus to form future saints, while in more earthly matters, residents are asking for the completion of apartments left unfinished since the Celtic Tiger era.