A government U-turn on making it a mandatory requirement for people to use a public services card (PSC) to apply for a driving licence or learner permit, from April 9, could cost several million euro.

A new not-for-profit organisation that aims to vindicate the rights of citizens to access information has been formed, and is looking for members to support its goals.

The National Newspapers of Ireland has demanded Public Expenditure and Reform Minister Brendan Howlin rethink a last-minute amendment he wants to make to the Freedom of Information bill.