It will look at working conditions in the Oireachtas and is due to be conducted in the first few months of 2019.

The Dáil Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is set to examine the Government’s new national broadband plan tender process after it emerged just one bidder — a consortium involving businessman Denis O’Brien and others — now remains in the race.

I’m boycotting the Magill Summer School this year. There, I’ve said it. Under no circumstances will I travel north to the picturesque haven of Glenties, in one of my favourite counties, Donegal, to take part in an event so dominated by those like me: male, pale, and wandering past the “best before” date.

Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has revealed a thorough investigation is taking place into the circumstances of the journeys undertaken, after four animal welfare organisations reported alleged violations on calf trucks leaving Rosslare.

Inmates in Irish prisons were awarded €600,000 last year in compensation payments for injuries.

There was “no evidence” on which an Oireachtas Committee could have decided Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy acted responsibly and in good faith when she made statements in the Dáil about Denis O’Brien’s banking affairs, lawyers for the businessman have told the Supreme Court.

The Social Democrats are unveiling a new Renters’ Charter to protect tenants and make the rental sector more secure and affordable.

Update 4.38pm: Stephen Donnelly has said that Fianna Fáil is the best-placed party to deal with the crises facing the country.

Social Democrats co-founder Catherine Murphy has admitted to taking drugs and said she would give up sex — if this would help solve the housing and homelessness crisis.

Latest:Stephen Donnelly has denied his opinion on the Apple tax appeal was the reason for leaving the Social Democrats.

The Dáil has heard that a former senior AIB employee was placed on the boards of three of Denis O'Brien's companies after the businessman received loans from the bank, writes Elaine Loughlin, Political Reporter.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to meet today with Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy to discuss the future of the Commission of Investigation into IBRC.

An Opposition TD has warned that time is running out to bring any criminal cases as a result of the Moriarty Tribunal.

One of the leaders of the social democrats party says the Government needs to do more to protect the environment.

The TD whose concerns led to the IBRC inquiry has called for emergency legislation to get the inquiry back on track.

The TD who first raised concerns about transactions at IBRC says the inquiry needs stronger legislative powers urgently.

The Social Democrats have launched a scathing attack on the Government and Irish Water ahead of today's demonstration against water charges in Dublin.

Three respected political figures have combined to form Ireland’s first Social Democratic party but Kyran Fitzgerald wonders if they have a future.

The newly launched Social Democrats have pledged to introduce 12 months paid parental leave, improve public services, and install wide-ranging political reform if it were to enter government.

Three Independent TDs will today unveil their new party- expected to be called the Social Democrats — which hopes to target disillusioned Labour voters in the next general election.

Independent TDs Catherine Murphy, Róisín Shortall, and Stephen Donnelly have indicated they are set to launch a new political party.

An Oireachtas committee has rejected demands from businessman Denis O’Brien to sanction Independent TD Catherine Murphy for making allegations about his bank deals in the Dáil.

The Dáil's disciplinary committee has found Independent TD Catherine Murphy not guilty of abusing Dáil privilege.

Michael Noonan has said new concerns raised by Sinn Féín's Pearse Doherty last night in relation to Denis O'Brien's loan arrangements with IBRC will be covered by the inquiry.

The cabinet has agreed to set up a Commission of Investigation into the handling of certain transactions by IBRC.

Catherine Murphy’s claims that Denis O’Brien enjoyed unusually low interest rates on his IBRC loans came as she put forward draft legislation that would allow the Comptroller and Auditor General to investigate the bank.

Independent Deputy Catherine Murphy has welcomed today's High Court ruling that media outlets can report comments made by her in the Dáil regarding businessman Denis O'Brien.

A High Court judge has said it is clear it is not entitled to restrain fair reporting of Dáil utterances.

Denis O'Brien says there is a "feeding frenzy" on him as media organisations go to the High Court today for clarification on whether comments made in the Dáil about his banking arrangements with IBRC can be reported.

Independent TD Catherine Murphy says she plans to increase pressure on KPMG Ireland to step away from the inquiry into the Irish Bank Resolution Corporation by submitting a complaint to the firm’s global bosses.

Outspoken TD Catherine Murphy has accused billionaire tycoon Denis O’Brien of trying to damage her through “bullying and intimidation”.

Independent TD Catherine Murphy insists she has nothing to fear from Denis O’Brien’s claims that she was given stolen documents about him.

Catherine Murphy is insisting her sources are "very reliable" in relation to her claims about businessman Denis O'Brien's banking arrangements with IBRC.

State broadcaster RTÉ will seek High Court permission on Tuesday to report Independent TD Catherine Murphy’s full Dáil comments about businessman Denis O’Brien’s dealings with IBRC.

WHEN a person stands for election to any forum they can expect a considerable degree of scrutiny. Their objectives are questioned. Their record and abilities are examined in an intrusive and unforgiving way. If they have skeletons in the cupboard, even very small ones, they will be dragged into the full, merciless glare of public judgment and criticism.

RTÉ is to apply to the High Court seeking permission to broadcast statements made by Independent TD Catherine Murphy regarding businessman Denis O'Brien.

Independent TD Catherine Murphy is preparing to mount a motion in the Dáil next week to force Finance Minister Michael Noonan to address claims that he withheld details about the sale of Siteserv.

An independent TD is calling for an independent inquiry into how the former Anglo Irish Bank managed the sale of some companies.

It has emerged that the total spend on consultants by Irish Water will have exceeded €85m by next year.