The Labour Party will resist attempts by Fine Gael backbenchers to include a sunset clause in proposed abortion legislation — meaning it would have to be reviewed after a certain time before being extended.

Parents with negative equity on their mortgages could be exempt from any cuts to child benefit, one Fine Gael backbencher has suggested.

FARMERS are sending high quality dairy cows for slaughter because of the danger of going over the milk quota, said Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Agriculture Michael Moynihan, who called this week for a derogation that would allow Ireland to go over quota this year, supply more milk to the EU and sell to other international markets.

THE Financial Regulator, Patrick Neary, will be forced to answer questions on whether Irish banks were involved in irresponsible lending leading to the current financial crisis when he meets a Dáil watchdog today.