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

IRELAND

RRóisín Ní Ríain, Linda Kelly, Katie-George Dunlevy, Orla Comerford and Eve McCrystal arriving at Terminal 2 Dublin Airport, after claiming medals at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

• Taoiseach Simon Harris denied the Government is performing a U-turn when it comes to increasing stamp duty on homes bulk-purchased by vulture funds.
• Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman said that a one-off child benefit payment of €560 for parents in the first month their child is born would have a “meaningful impact” for families.
• The Vatican said it is committed to a zero tolerance approach to child sexual abuse after allegations were made against hundreds of schools run by the Catholic Church in Ireland.
• Tánaiste Micheál Martin said it’s for the UK authorities to pursue companies over the Grenfell Tower fire after former UK housing secretary Michael Gove claimed he had previously “pressed the Irish government to act against Kingspan without success”.
• A woman was sent forward for trial, accused of conspiring to pose as driving theory test candidates in a learner permit fraud.
• Sinn Féin has spent more than €6,000 in the last week on a strategic social media campaign that outlines the basics of its new housing policy plan.
• Dublin is getting modifications to its traffic lights as part of efforts to deliver a message to drivers regarding when to give cyclists priority at junctions.
• A Co Donegal taxi driver has been jailed for sexually assaulting an 18-year-old woman in his cab.
• An actress from the hit TV show The Boys has said she was made to feel “deeply uncomfortable” because of an inappropriate “demand” that was made repeatedly at Comic Con Northern Ireland.

INTERNATIONAL

A still from a video released by Kensington Palace today of Kate Middleton and the UK's Prince William, where Middleton revealed she is now cancer-free. Will Warr / Kensington Palace/PA Will Warr / Kensington Palace/PA / Kensington Palace/PA

#UK: Kate Middleton announced that she has completed chemotherapy treatment and is focused on “doing what I can to stay cancer-free”.

#US ELECTION: Muted mics, no notes and no audience: Here’s what to expect from the first US presidential debate.

#EU: Ireland will need to share debt with other European member states in order to boost and improve the competitiveness of the EU single market, an expert report from the bloc has recommended.

PARTING SHOT

A Cork garda who suffered multiple stab wounds when he was left without backup while responding to a domestic violence incident was among eight gardaí, living and deceased, to receive honours for their service.

Despite his injuries, Timothy McSweeney continued to struggle with the man for some time until he managed to get him onto the ground, drew his baton and restrained him.

The Scott Medal is the highest award that can be bestowed by the Commissioner of An Garda Síochána and is awarded for ‘most exceptional bravery and heroism involving the risk of life in the execution of duty’.

You can read more about this year’s recipients here.