The Rape Crisis Network has backed a proposal by Dutch MEPs to ban all forms of pornography, which would include internet porn.

Talks on next year's EU budget hit deadlock tonight after Europe's governments gave MEPs a "take it or leave it" ultimatum.

The budget that Ireland gets from the EU Common Agricultural Policy must be maintained, according to Fine Gael MEP Mairead McGuinness.

EUROPE AFFAIRS Minister Dick Roche yesterday called for an overhaul of the EU-expenses system after an investigation claimed Irish MEPs were abusing lucrative allowances.