The 30-year-old woman who died in a tent while sleeping rough in Cork was a “very decent girl” who had fallen on hard times, according to the head of a local homeless charity.

The Government survived its first key vote of the 32nd Dáil last night to suspend water charges for nine months, despite criticism from the Opposition.

The leader of the Labour Party Joan Burton has vowed to bring full employment back to Ireland in three years.

It may yet prove to be a watershed moment for the Government.