5 things you need to know today

1. Policing Authority ‘dismayed’ by Garda failures

The Policing Authority, the new body set up to oversee the Garda Síochána's policing functions, has issued a series of stinging criticisms of the management of gardaí following a meeting with the Garda Commissioner Nóirín O'Sullivan on Thursday to discuss the report of the O'Higgins inquiry. In a statement issued last night, the authority said it would hold two further meetings with the Commissioner in public in the coming weeks to discuss the policing failures identified in the inquiry report, and the Garda management's response to them. Meanwhile, fresh allegations of Garda malpractice, this time in Co Leitrim, were raised on Thursday in the Dáil during a debate on the O'Higgins inquiry into policing in Cavan-Monaghan.

Analysis: Little between questioning integrity and 'credibility': Distinction between terms is implicit in statement from Garda Commissioner Nóirín Ó Sullivan

2. Patients 'will die' over HSE drug delays

Cancer patients will die as a result of delays in providing access to new drugs, doctors have said. Dozens with advanced cancer are unable to access the latest blockbuster treatment because the Health Service Executive drugs group has not met to approve it. This is despite the fact the drug, pembrolizumab ("pembro"), has been found to be safe and cost-effective and is available in many European countries. About 100 patients who received the treatment since last year under a compassionate use programme are experiencing significantly improved health and reduced side-effects, but this programme has ended.

One patient's experience: "I feel lucky that I got it. In my case I think the combination of surgery and pembro kept me alive"

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3. Suspects in killing of Gareth Hutch identified

The suspected killers in the Kinahan-Hutch feud have been identified by theGarda Síochána and response protocols for any future attacks devised, the officer in charge of policing Dublin's north inner city has said. Chief Supt Pat Leahy, in whose Dublin north central Garda division many of the key figures live and murders have occurred, has also expressed his confidence that those carrying out the murders would be brought to justice. Sinn Féin's deputy leader, Mary Lou McDonald, said more resources were needed for more proactive "in-your- face" policing in Dublin's inner city.

Opinion: Fear of retribution is insidious, but communities need leadership as killings continue

Drug dealers now better at beating Criminal Assets Bureau: Gangs have factored the Cab into the way they operate and taken new evasive measures

4. Universities and colleges to provide courses for retirees

Universities and colleges are responding to the rapid growth in the population of older people in Ireland by offering retirees a chance to develop a second career. Dublin City University will today launch a new programme aimed at engaging the talents and energy of retired or soon-to-retire professionals as they seek new challenges. The "advanced transitions programme" will offer participants a chance to develop new skills with a blend of academic, personal and professional development . Prof Brian MacCraith, DCU's president, said the programme was aimed at offering life-enhancing opportunities to a fast-growing section of the population. Meanwhile, more than half of junior and senior infants in Irish primary schools are stressed over homework, according to their parents, a survey by the National Parents' Council Primary has found.

5. Springsteen fans aiming for centre stage

Bruce Springsteen fans are nothing if not loyal and the die-hards know their place. Getting a spot in the pit for any concert is usually a chaotic affair doled out on a first-come, first-served basis. Queuing up overnight to get a prime spot near the front of the stage is not allowed by the Croke Park authorities so Springsteen fans have organised themselves to ensure they do not lose out. Fans are allocated a number and take their place near the front of the stage accordingly. Tonight's show is sold out and if his recent three-and-a-half-hour Barcelona show is anything to go by, he looks certain to treat fans to his usual marathon set.

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