We can't afford to be a "soft touch".
Ireland cannot be a "soft touch" when it comes to criminal activity, according to an MEP.
Billy Kelleher made the comments, following a hearing of the European Public Prosecutors Office - which Ireland is not a member of.
The Ireland South Fianna Fáil MEP says the country cannot be seen as a potential hub for European gangs.
James Lawless is the chairman of the Oireachtas Justice Committee.
Laois Gardaí Thanking Public After Finding Missing Woman
Carmel Mulligan has been found safe and well.
Missing Laois Teenager Found Safe And Well
Warren O'Shea was reported missing from Portlaoise on Friday.
Man In His 90s Dies In Laois Crash
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses.
Offaly Prize Bonds Holder Wins €500k
A bond purchased in 2022 is the winner of the monthly prize.
BNM Workshop Reunion Taking Place In Offaly Tomorrow
The former staff of the Boora Workshop will reunite in Teach Lea.
ICTU Reminds Employees Of The Right To Disconnect
The Irish Congress Of Trade Unions is reminding people to leave the office behind on holidays.
Laois Town To Host Famine Commemoration Event
Abbeyleix is set to host one next May.
Plans For Billion Euro Data Centre In Westmeath Face New Appeal
The State's planning body will now rule on the future of the development.
Westmeath Councillor Advocates For More Remote Working Hubs
Labour rep for Kinnegad Denis Leonard is hoping plans for Killucan Market House are approved.
Midlands Homelessness On The Rise
340 people in Laois, Offaly, Longford, and Westmeath are being classified as homeless.
Hundreds Without Power In Westmeath
Over 860 premises in Mullingar are cut off at the moment.
Westmeath Domestic Abuse Support Service Reports Rise In Cases
Esker House in Athlone say they're dealing with a rise in cases.
Laois TD Highlights GP Gap
Brian Stanley says 74 people in the county under the Medical Card scheme have no access to GP services.
Call Made For 'Cost Of Disability Payment' in Budget 2027
Campaigners are seeking a payment of €55 per week to cover extra costs.
Offaly Coffee Shop Listed Among Top 100 In Europe
Conway and Co in Tullamore is ranked 69th on this year's list.
Man To Stand Trial Over Midlands Tasering Accusation
The Longford man is remanded on bail until October 13.
Another Report Underlines Midlands House Price Inflation
The cost of a home in the Midlands and Mid-West is up by over 7%.
Midlands Braced For Severe Thunderstorms
Met Eireann is warning of localised flooding, hail damage, and possible power outages.
Sustainable Livestock Village Programme Launched For Tullamore Show
The programme features the International Year of the Woman Farmer as a key theme.
Offaly Woman Named National Carer Of The Year
Vanessa Craven was recognised for her work.
