The new legislation is set to be debated from 2pm to 5pm today.

"I have made it clear since before the election - and after - that I will speak to all parties in the interests of forming a government; starting with those with a mandate for change,” Mary Lou McDonald said.

The biggest parties will need to cooperate to form some type of government or a second general election could be looming over the country-if the

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Jeremy Corbyn and Boris Johnson met this morning to discuss a new programme motion for his Brexit deal, Labour has confirmed.

Tanaiste Simon Coveney claimed investors and landlords here would leave the market and the solution to spiralling rents was increasing the supply of properties.

A bill currently before the Oireachtas seeks to ban offshore oil and gas exploration and production.

The Sounds From A Safe Harbour festival in Cork has announced the first of its headline acts. Canadian singer Feist, Irish singer-songwriter Damien Rice, and Bryce and Aaron Dessner from The National will be among those playing an event taking place from September 12 to 15.

British exploration company Europa Oil and Gas is expecting to finalise a development partner for the bulk of its Irish offshore licences in the coming months, enabling drilling work to begin sometime next year.

People Before Profit want it made law that the government could not take any action that would lead to physical infrastructure on the border.

The Labour Party has been accused of hypocrisy after tabling a Dáil motion to demand a fair start for every child.

Chris Patten said he had reluctantly come to the conclusion that a new referendum was the only way to end the Brexit "shambles".

The Government has affirmed its support for offshore oil and gas exploration.

Solidarity-People Before Profit will not attempt to change potential new laws, allowing unrestricted abortion access up to 12 weeks of pregnancy for the next five years, if next month’s referendum is passed.

The incursions of the People’s Republic into neighbouring states has backfired in an embarrassing standoff with India in the Himalayas, says Brahma Chellaney.       

Sinn Féin is at the edge of the centre. Whether it is Promised Land or quicksand remains to be seen, writes Gerard Howlin.

Serious tensions are brewing in Cabinet as Fine Gael and the Independent Alliance are at odds on a number of issues including the appointment of judges.

Good morning. Here’s everything you need to know before you start your day.

An alliance of opposition TDs seeking to abolish water charges intend to force parties and other deputies to stand up to their election promises on Irish Water in a planned Dáil motion.

People Before Profit fully support the Luas drivers in their fight for fairness through strike action.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie's custody battle over son Rocco is "a power fight" between the pair.

Retired football star David Beckham, an international celebrity both on and off the field, was named People magazine’s “Sexiest Man Alive”.

Education Minister Jan O’Sullivan will need extra funds by the year end to cater for more students qualifying for college grants and more special needs’ supports in schools.

Some of the new forces in Irish politics will hammer out their programmes this weekend for the looming general election.

Robin Wright and Ben Foster have reportedly called off their engagement for a second time.

Courteney Cox's daughter will sing at her wedding.

Benedict Cumberbatch's wife Sophie Hunter has given birth to a son.

The opposition TD who claimed Denis O’Brien extended his IBRC loans after threatening legal action has insisted the allegation is accurate, and warned he will make more information public if necessary.

A row has broken out in Cork City Council after the deputy Lord Mayor of Cork refused to accept a petition of 15,000 Irish Water boycott signatures from anti-water charge protesters last night.

A new generation has spoken, said the yes side after a landslide victory and an historic weekend.

Celine Dion will have only her sick husband in her thoughts when she returns to her Las Vegas residency this summer.

The administrative seat of the EU is also a fun, beautiful city of elegant restaurants, splendid architecture and museums, says Tony Clayton-Lea.

Jessica Biel has given birth to a baby boy.

The Right2Water campaign is finalising a de facto manifesto for potential election candidates which will focus on the wider austerity debate.

Extending civil marriage rights to same sex couples will reduce levels of self-harming among gay youngsters, the Dáil heard. 

Gwyneth Paltrow has been ridiculed by doctors after her latest dose of advice for women — steam your vaginas in order to deliver an energy boost and powerful internal cleanse.

Socialist TD Joe Higgins has stressed the only way the anti-Irish Water campaign will survive and succeed is through “peaceful protest” that does not plumb the depths of “insulting” comments against officials.