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

IRELAND

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• RTÉ boss Kevin Bakhurst revealed the broadcast payed former-CFO Breda O’Keeffe a €450,000 exit package, under a scheme she didn’t even qualify for.
• The United Nations’ refugee agency called on the Irish Government to end asylum seeker homelessness and use of tents.
• The father of six-year-old Matthew Healy told his son’s funeral it was the “greatest honour” of his life to be his dad.
• The Taoiseach of Ireland and Spanish President called for an urgent review of EU’s trade deal with Israel, amid “grave” Rafah threat.
• Over €7 million in total has been stolen in separate romance fraud scams over past five years in Ireland.
• A former county councillor is to stand trial for allegedly producing a hurl during altercation.
• A man in his 30s died this morning following an accident on the M1 in North Dublin.
• In a heated exchange, the Central Bank confirmed that a vulture fund legal loophole meant that thousands can’t turn to the financial ombudsman for help.
• There was outrage among stakeholders as the Minister defended changes to special education criteria.
• A woman and a man were arrested in relation to murder of Michael Foley in Macroom, Co Cork today.
• Síle Seoige responded to a “gaslighting” talk show apology over comments about the Irish language.

INTERNATIONAL

Daniel Wiffen won gold today for Ireland in the 800m freestyle swim (file photo). Andrea Staccioli / INPHO Andrea Staccioli / INPHO / INPHO

#GAZA: In our Morning Lead, Dima Jalal Saud (pseudonym) reports for The Journal from Gaza. They detailed accounts of how women, trapped in the cramped region of Palestine, give birth around conflict, destruction and violence.

#RAFAH: The same reporter later details the accounts from inside Rafah, the southern city in Gaza, amid escalating fears of an Israeli invasion and continued bombing.

#BLACK SEA: Ukraine destroyed a Russian warship today while conditions on the front line are beginning to come “extremely difficult”.

#TRUMP: US President Joe Biden hit out at former President Donald Trump over “dangerous” comments he made, questioning the US’ commitment to defend Nato allies.

#QATAR: Irish swimmer Daniel Wiffen took home a gold in the 800m freestyle at World Championships.

PARTING SHOT

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“Pete, have you thought about my bhunas?”

Fancy a takeaway? Well this evening food delivery drivers in Dublin took part in a strike and gathered on O’Connell Street on Valentine’s day until 10pm over minimum payments on takeaway apps and poor standards of safety.

Fiachra Ó Luain from the ELSU said Valentine’s Day is the “perfect opportunity to express love and appreciation for our fellow human beings”.

In other news today, Gavin and Stacey creator Ruth Jones poured cold water on rekindled hopes that the hit UK sitcom might be making a comeback after speculation and excitement had been stirred up among the show’s fanbase after Deadline reported that a Christmas special was in the works. 

However, the hugely popular UK TV series IS set for a return to our screens is the polished halls and stuffy dining room pageantry of Downton Abbey. 

The British period drama aired its last episode eight years ago but The Daily Mail reports that filming has “secretly” begun for a new season. A source told the paper that those working on set had had to sign non-disclosure agreements.

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