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

Adrianna Lynch and Nupoor Mathankar pictured at the Long Room in Trinity College Library, Dublin, at the launch of JLF Island of Ireland, a literature festival taking place next month. RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

IRELAND

• President Catherine Connolly decided not to refer the International Protection Bill 2026 to the Supreme Court and signed the Bill into law.
• Enoch Burke applied to overturn a High Court finding from 2023 that he was fairly suspended by Wilson’s Hospital School.
• Fianna Fáil backbenchers are to be given more influence in government decision making, including in the runup to the Budget later this year.
• The party’s housing spokesperson Séamus McGrath asked the Taoiseach to consider reintroducing relief on stamp duty for first-time buyers.
• Former taoiseach Leo Varadkar apologised and said he probably “went too far” in his comments on urban Ireland subsidising rural Ireland.
• A then-14-year-old boy accused of raping a girl and producing child pornography was sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court.
• Loved ones of road traffic collision victims told TDs that families are deprived of information during inquests into their deaths.
• Independent radio stations called for Media Minister Patrick O’Donovan to take urgent action regarding a proposal to raise the broadcast levy.
• Ryanair bag-drop and check-in desks are set to close 60 minutes before flight departure from November. 

INTERNATIONAL

British prime minister Keir Starmer awaiting the arrival of Council of Europe secretary general Alain Berset outside 10 Downing Street. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#MIDDLE EAST: Donald Trump said “it’s possible” a second round of US-Iran talks could take place within the next three days.

#LEBANON: A second French soldier died from wounds suffered in a weekend ambush against UN peacekeepers in Lebanon blamed on Hezbollah.

#UNDER PRESSURE: Irishman Morgan McSweeney was called to appear before the UK foreign affairs committee as Keir Starmer remains under fire over the Peter Mandelson scandal.

#UKRAINE: The EU gave a preliminary green light to unblocking a €90 billion loan for Kyiv, after a months-long row between Ukraine and Hungary over a damaged pipeline.  

PARTING SHOT

One of the original 1,926 postcard artworks from this year's incognito online art sale. PA PA

Thousands of artworks are going on sale for a charity fundraiser, but there’s a catch: buyers won’t know who the artist is until after their purchase.

The Incognito art sale is in aid of the Jack And Jill Foundation, which provides support for children with neurodevelopmental delay.

All of the 1,926 original artworks by both emerging and internationally acclaimed artists will be sold for a fixed price of €75.

PA PA

Buyers could get a 6×8 inch postcard-size artwork from famous artists including Irish author and environmentalist Don Conroy or fashion designer William Costelloe.

Costelloe is taking part in the fundraiser after the death of his father Paul last year.  

“Dad was a father of seven and he absolutely loved children,” he said.

“Meeting the beautiful children that he connected with through Jack And Jill, and incognito, he was just so honoured to be part of that journey and to help raise awareness.”

PA PA

This year’s sale takes place on 20 May, and all of the art will be available to view online from 22 April.