A round-up of today's other stories in brief...
North gets ready for smoking ban
The British government has begun a promotional campaign for the smoking ban which is to be introduced in Northern Ireland on April 30th.
"Space to Breathe", unveiled by minister for health Paul Goggins, offers guidance on the new legislation, the effects of passive smoking and advice on cessation services.
The campaign will run from now until late April and will include television, radio, internet and outdoor advertising.
"I would encourage as many people as possible to familiarise themselves with what this legislation will actually mean in practice," said Mr Goggins. "Its successful implementation will require everyone's co-operation."
Businesses are being guided by a team of environmental health officers who are hosting seminars and providing materials to help them comply with the new law.
Dr Brian Gaffney, chief executive of the Health Promotion Agency, said the experience of countries that had already introduced this legislation had highlighted the need to inform the public of the change beforehand.
Prof Luke Clancy, a leading Dublin-based anti-smoking campaigner, said that a rise in numbers stopping smoking in the Republic would be mirrored in the North.
He said more resources would be needed to help those who quit.
Bishops meet to elect primate
The Church of Ireland House of Bishops will meet today to elect a new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland. The successful candidate, who will succeed Dr Robin Eames, will be the 66th Archbishop of Armagh.
Ibec seeks tunnel closure plan
The employers group Ibec has called for an emergency plan to be published to cater for the closure of the Dublin Port Tunnel.
The tunnel was closed for an hour yesterday morning in both directions after a car transporter broke down.
Ibec transport spokesman Reg McCabe said lorry drivers had no information about what alternative routes to take.
"If we were to have a similar closure at 7am, after the boats come in, we would have a very serious situation very quickly. It's in that context that people need more information," he said.
"All the authorities responsible for the port tunnel need to publish the procedures that drivers should follow in the event of it being closed.".
Man spotted snorting cocaine
A man spotted snorting cocaine on the main street of a town was yesterday allowed to avoid a criminal conviction after paying €200 to charity.
Michael Whelan (34), Dublin, denied having €30 worth of the drug at Main Street, Swords, in October 30, 2005.
His sister-in-law, Gráinne Errity, said she had the small packet of cocaine but she did not volunteer this information to gardaí even after he was charged.
Judge Desmond Zaidan convicted Whelan but after hearing he had no previous convictions, he said he would give him an opportunity to avoid having a criminal record if he paid €200 to Crumlin Children's Hospital.
The money was paid and the charge was dismissed under the Probation Act.