Here's What Happened Today: Thursday

Simon Harris, European Council Summit and asylum seeker abuse hit headlines today.

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

IRELAND

LR SIMON HARRIS TONIGHT 5115 Simon Harris leaves Government buildings before announcing his intention to be the next leader of Fine Gael. Eamonn Farrell Eamonn Farrell

Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris announced his intentions to be the next leader of Fine Gael, clearing the path for him to be Taoiseach.
Leo Varadkar laughed off ‘legacy’ questions by journalists in Brussels today.
A security guard was suspended after a video of asylum seeker being punched in Dublin accommodation centre was published by The Journal.
Ten men appeared in courts across Co Cork charged with drug importation ‘conspiracy’.
Minister Helen McEntee said disciplinary process for garda suspended over bicycle took ‘longer than anybody would like‘.
Independent TD Marc MacSharry settled legal action against SIPO.
Competition watchdog blocked Dublin Airport operator from purchasing private car park.
A man appeared in court charged over New Year’s Eve arson attack at former Ringsend pub

INTERNATIONAL

european-council-president-charles-michel-addresses-a-media-conference-at-an-eu-summit-in-brussels-thursday-march-21-2024-european-union-leaders-were-urged-thursday-to-show-the-same-respect-for-in European Council President Charles Michel addresses a media conference at an EU Summit in Brussels. Alamy Alamy

#EUROPEAN COUNCIL The leaders of the 27 EU member states called for an immediate humanitarian pause to fighting in Gaza leading to a “sustainable ceasefire” at a summit in Brussels.

#LEGAL WOES Donald Trump owes $454 million for fraud to a court by Monday - but can he pay it?

#GAZA The US circulated a draft UN Security Council resolution calling for an “immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages” in Gaza.

#LISBON Centre-right politician Luis Montenegro was appointed prime minister of Portugal but still needs to form a coalition government.

PARTING SHOT

dizzy The Dizzy Deliveries show is the first ever to use Lámh signs as an integral part of its communication. RTÉ RTÉ

The award-winning children’s TV show Dizzy Deliveries is to return with a new series to RTÉ next month.

The innovative television show uses the Lámh sign system, a key word signing system used by children and adults with Down syndrome, autism, and communication difficulties to support their communication and self-expression.

You can read more about the show, and catch a bonus episode, here.