The balcony below the one that collapsed, killing six young students, including five Irish, was removed yesterday after being branded an immediate “collapse hazard” by Berkeley city inspectors.

Ireland’s embassy in Washington has contacted a US senator to raise concerns over his call for over 1,100 at-risk jobs at a pharmaceutical giant in Waterford to be moved to New York.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has denied any knowledge of an argument between the highest ranking civil servant in the country and the Irish Ambassador, which reportedly took place in a hotel lobby in New York on the morning of St Patrick’s Day.

The head of the Irish group lobbying for immigration reform in the US has criticised the Department of Foreign Affairs for its lack of support and said he feels “isolated” because of the inaction of the Government.

As immigration reform meanders through Washington DC, activist Ciarán Staunton spoke to John Riordan

The best thing that can happen to any of us, despite all of our what-if lotto fantasies, is to be given an opportunity to do good.

Ireland's 69 overseas embassies cost a total €76m to run last year, it has been revealed.

A total of 69 Irish embassies cost the State more than €76m to run in 2011, but the Vatican embassy, controversially closed as a government money-saving measure, was among the cheapest.

FRANCE will honour Ireland East member of the European Parliament Liam Aylward at a ceremony in Paris today.

Around 100 gardaí will take off for France today to compete in the Paris Marathon in aid of Goal.

A €2.5m revamp of the Irish embassy in Paris will be unveiled today.

A €2.5m revamp of the Irish embassy in Paris will be unveiled next week.

THE Department of Transport was heavily criticised by both the European Commission and the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) last year over its delays in implementing new European legislation for consumers.

THE Department of Foreign Affairs has reached a settlement with a Filipino man employed at the Paris embassy for 17 years who was sacked by the incoming ambassador because she wanted a woman in the job.

The Department of Foreign Affairs failed to abide by French employment laws when it sacked a long-serving staff member at the Irish embassy in Paris, its former Secretary General claimed tonight.

The Department of Foreign Affairs tonight stood over its decision to sack an embassy employee with nearly 17 years service.

THE Government hasapproved the biggest shake-up of Ireland’s diplomatic representation since the foundation of the State.

The Government is to formally launch its bid to get official status for the Irish language in the EU today.