NEED TO CATCH up? The Journal brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

Five-year-old Damir Zubchuk (left) and six-year-old Artem Myroshnykov, who both arrived from Ukraine last month, outside Leinster House. PA Images PA Images

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the Oireachtas that Ireland “has not remained neutral” on the disaster unfolding in his country.
• The Taoiseach welcomed Ukraine’s application to join the EU; Sinn Féin called for the Russian Ambassador to be expelled; and People Before Profit TDs said they did not clap after Zelenskyy’s speech in protest over EU sanctions. 
• A jury at the Central Criminal Court failed to reach a verdict in the trial of a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering Urantsetseg Tserendorj.
• The ECDC and the EMA said that it is “too early” to consider using a fourth dose of mRNA Covid vaccines in the population, after NIAC recommended a second booster to those aged over 65.
• There are some “unusual characteristics” to Dr Tony Holohan’s new role with Trinity College, Public Expenditure Minister Michael McGrath said.  
• A Status Yellow wind warning is currently in place for six counties on the west of the country, with Met Éireann warning of hazardous driving conditions.

WORLD

Pope Francis shows a flag that he said was brought to him from Bucha before meeting with Ukrainian children. Alessandra Tarantino Alessandra Tarantino

#SANCTIONS: The US announced new sanctions on Putin’s daughters – the EU is discussing a similar move – and on Russia’s largest financial institutions, Sberbank and Alfa Bank. The White House also said all new US investment in Russia is now prohibited.

#BRITISH BROADCASTING: There are divisions in the British Conservative Party over the privatisation of Channel 4, with the plans likely to face a bumpy ride in the House of Commons.

#BUCHAREST: A car collided into the gates of the Russian embassy in the Romanian capital, bursting into flames and killing the driver.

PARTING SHOT

Seanadóir Tom Clonan gave a speech in the Seanad yesterday that is being widely praised on social media today – you can watch it here. 

Inspired by a painting in the Seanad, he spoke about his grandmother, who joined Cumann na mBan after the execution of the 1916 leaders, taught in the school’s first Gaelscoil on Stephen’s Green; and joined the original IRA in 1919, firebombing police stations across south County Dublin and north Co Wicklow.

“I like to think that she was a typical woman – a multitasker.”

She used to call Clonan “an gamhain breac”, the speckled calf, because of his freckles.

Watch newly elected Senator for the University of Dublin Constituency, Senator Tom Clonan's first contribution in the #Seanad today #seeforyourself @TomClonan pic.twitter.com/ktGbksk3ey

— Houses of the Oireachtas - Tithe an Oireachtais (@OireachtasNews) April 5, 2022