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National News Briefs

PCs for TDs as politicians to get tablet computers

Tablet PCs are going to be handed out to TDs and Senators later this year, it has emerged.

The Oireachtas Commission has approved a plan to buy the devices through a tendering process.

Members of the Dáil and Seanad will each get one free of charge, but if they lose their seat, they will have to hand it back.

It is hoped the cost of buying the computers will be recouped in savings on printing costs over three years.
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CIF urges non-court solution to pyrite problem

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) wants a solution to be found to the pyrite problem, without going through the courts.

The body, which represents the construction sector, says litigation is too costly and that the structural damage to people's homes should be remedied instead.

Yesterday, a panel set up last year to review the issue said that more than 10,000 homes in the East of the country could face pyrite-related problems in the future.

Director general of the Construction Industry Federation, Tom Parlon, has called on all stakeholders with responsibility in the pyrite problem to develop a workable solution.

"I think people are entitled to have the sort of house that they bought and whilst builders would say: 'Well, we bought the fitting in good faith and we expected it to be of the quality that we bought' and so on, we can't have the litigation," he said.
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No winner of midweek €2m Lotto jackpot

There was no winner of last night's Lotto jackpot, worth €2,000,000.

Saturday's jackpot is expected to rise to around €2.5m.

More than 33,000 players won prizes, including one winner of €25,000.

There was no winner of the Lotto Plus 1 or Plus 2 jackpots.
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Four arrested in connection with cash van raid released

Gardaí have this morning released four people they were questioning in connection with an armed robbery on a cash-in-transit van in Dublin last weekend.

A lone armed raider targeted a security company employee at a filling station on the Long Mile Road last Saturday and demanded the worker hand over a cash box before escaping in a car.

Gardaí arrested three men and one woman for questioning in connection with the incident.

They have now been released without charge and a file is to be prepared for the DPP.
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Young man dies in Donegal crash
 
A man in his twenties has died after a crash in Co. Donegal.

The was driving on Greencastle Road in Moville when his car left the road and struck a telegraph pole at about 4.30 this morning.

The road has been closed for forensic examinations and diversions are in place.

Officers at Buncrana garda station are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.
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