The integrity of a democracy depends on a respected, effective and honest police force, one that wins and cherishes the moral authority needed to do its job.

Even in a country so very familiar with the sad consequences of emigration yesterday’s figures from the National Youth Council of Ireland, showing that 308,000 people — 41% in the 15 to 24 age bracket — left the country in the last four years must give us pause for thought.

Ireland of the last century may not have been the best place for someone who cherished their privacy or their time alone to do as they pleased when they pleased.

It would be convenient but wrong to dismiss the report that parents administer pain relief drugs to their children incorrectly as a consequence of the stresses of modern life.

Ireland’s neutrality during the Second World War sustains one of the great, circular parlour games so beloved by professional historians and others with less objective, more politicised views.

It would be unfair to the better class of Banana Republic to imagine they have hospital waiting times like those that were revealed yesterday.

Two reports out today shine a penetrating light on worrying aspects of Ireland’s education system, underlining how vital it is in times of austerity to protect the resources of schools serving disadvantaged areas.

It is astonishing how seemingly ill-prepared are Irish companies for the era of the social media.

Cardinal Seán Brady left no doubt on Saturday at Knock that the Catholic hierarchy is determined to influence politicians and the electorate to defeat the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill.

Although there are still a number of reports pending in relation to the horse meat scandal, the announcement by the Department of Food that it has expedited plans to set up a central equine database should be warmly welcomed.