EVERY WEEKDAY EVENING, TheJournal.ie brings you the five stories you need to know before you head out the door…

1. #COURTS: A 10-year-old boy who was injured in a car accident in 2008 has been awarded €11.5 million by the High Court, the largest settlement in a personal injury claim in the history of the State. Cullen Kennedy was 6 years old when he was involved in the car crash which left him with brain and spinal injuries and dependent on 24-hour care. Separately, the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland has secured a judgment against Cullen’s mother for the full amount of the settlement.

2. #REFERENDUM: The Dáil has formally passed the legislation which will allow for the fiscal compact treaty referendum to take place on 31 May. TDs voted by 93 to 21 to approve the bill, with Fianna Fáil and several independent TDs joining the government parties to vote in favour of it.

3. #PRIORY HALL: The Supreme Court has this evening postponed proceedings in relation to Priory Hall for three months to allow for a conciliation process to take place. Environment Minister Phil Hogan has welcomed the move, which means accommodation for the displaced residents will continue to be paid for while the conciliation process continues.

4. #KILLING: The man accused of shooting dead teenager Trayvon Martin in Florida several weeks ago has told a court hearing that is is sorry for the killing. George Zimmerman claimed he had killed the unarmed 17-year-old in self defence following a confrontation in a gated community. Martin’s family have said they are ‘completely devasted’ that Zimmerman is to be released on a bail of $150,000.

5. #RAPE: A Sheffield United football player has been jailed for five years today after being found guilty of raping a woman who was too drunk to consent to sex. Ched Evans, had denied the claims and said he is shocked and disappointed with the decision of the court in Wales.