Children’s Minister Katherine Zappone has opened up about her grief since the death of her wife, Ann Louise Gilligan, last summer, saying she has sought “sanctuary” in counselling to cope with the trauma and encouraging others in mourning to take similar steps, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

The Commission investigating mother and baby homes has asked for another year to complete its work.

Children's Minister Frances Fitzgerald has said she isnot in favour of any sort of censorship as a means of dealing with issues such as the 'neknomination' drinking game craze.