A BBC producer from Tullow in Co Carlow is among 3 people expelled from North Korea after allegedly 'insulting the dignity' of the country.

35 year old Maria Byrne was working with journalist Rupert Wingfield-Hayes, and cameraman Matthew Goddard covering the Congress of the Workers Party.

The BBC says the three were detained on Friday and questioned for 8 hours. They have been brought to the airport and are expected to fly out today.

They were among scores of journalists who were invited to cover the Congress.

O Ryong-il, is secretary-general of North Korea's National Peace Committee. He told reporters Mr Wingfield-Hayes' news coverage 'distorted facts' and "spoke ill of the leadership.