An Irish company has signed a deal worth €10m over five years with a leading private provider of emergency services in Europe.

Both Siptu and the body representing ambulance staff have demanded urgent action following a review of the National Ambulance Service which highlighted a range of shortcomings and targets it said were unachievable.

A giant Irish-knit jumper and the world’s biggest raggy doll were among the spectacular sights and sounds at the St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin.

A giant Irish-knit jumper and the world’s biggest raggy doll were among the spectacular sights and sounds at the annual St Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin.