Welcome to your Wednesday morning briefing. Let us ensure you’re up to speed on what’s happening and are prepared for the day ahead.

A bid by Labour to waive water charges for all social welfare recipients was blocked due to fears it would encourage people to refuse job offers, Fine Gael sources insisted.

Gilmore is safe for now, but a drubbing at the polls could reignite the debate, says Political Editor Mary Regan.

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has challenged Irish Water to prove that €50m spent on consultants’ fees was good value for money.