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

IRELAND

Newly elected Taoiseach and Fine Gael leader Simon Harris is congratulated by party colleagues and well wishers as he leaves the Dáil Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie Sasko Lazarov / RollingNews.ie / RollingNews.ie

• Simon Harris has officially been confirmed as the new Taoiseach following a vote in the Dáil earlier. 
• Tánaiste Micheál Martin has said he will be bringing forward proposals for the Government to recognise the State of Palestine, once international discussions have concluded.
• The Supreme Court has ruled that personal injuries awards guidelines voted into force by Ireland’s judges three years ago are legally binding and remain in force.
• A new fodder transport scheme for livestock farmers has been announced as part of measures to alleviate pressure on the industry amid relentless wet weather.
• An Bord Pleanála has given the green light to contentious plans for a new 200MW €1.2 billion data centre campus on the outskirts of Ennis.
• The jury at the Stardust inquest will continue their deliberations into the causes of death of the 48 victims of the fire for a sixth day tomorrow.
• Two more measles cases have been confirmed in Ireland, bringing the total number of cases so far this year to 13. 
• New EU funding will allow for quicker train journeys between Dublin and Belfast and the acquisition of eight new trains on the route. 
• An election candidate for the Irish Freedom Party has appeared in court in relation to charges arising from a protest in Dublin city centre in February.
• A 20-year-old man from Eritrea who landed at Dublin Airport without a passport or identity documents has been jailed for two months.

INTERNATIONAL

James Crumbley, the parent of a Michigan school shooter, addresses the court during his sentencing today Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#GAZA: Hamas has said it is considering a new framework for a truce proposed during the latest round of negotiations in Cairo.

#SECURITY THREAT: Security will be reinforced at Champions League quarter-final matches today and tomorrow after a communication outlet supporting the Islamic State group published threats against stadiums.

#MICHIGAN: The parents of a teenager who carried out a deadly school shooting in the US state of Michigan have been sentenced to 10 to 15 years in prison.

#SWITZERLAND: A top European Court has ruled that the Swiss government committed a human rights violation by failing to take sufficient action to counter climate change in a landmark ruling that may also influence other countries, including Ireland.

PARTING SHOT

Here’s newly election Taoiseach Simon Harris being presnting with his warrant of appointment and Seal of Office at the Áras today.

Newly elected Taoiseach @SimonHarrisTD was presented with his warrant of appointment and seal of office by @PresidentIRL Michael D Higgins at Áras an Uachtaráin today. pic.twitter.com/C10QwoTaRL

— MerrionStreet.ie (@merrionstreet) April 9, 2024