Two Irish scientists have been dispatched to Iceland to analyse the Bardarbunga volcano after an eruption sparked a red alert aviation warning.

Met Éireann says there are no indications that the coming winter will be particularly severe.

THE Chief Fire Officers' Association has written to the Department of Environment warning that the country's fire service is incapable of dealing with a major terrorist attack.

Taoiseach Bertie Ahern recently declared that this country was unlikely to be a target of a major terrorist strike, a sentiment which possibly did not give comfort to everybody.

Political Correspondent Fionnán Sheahan assesses Government preparations for a Madrid-style attack in Ireland and finds the public are right to be worried.