Waterford Writers Weekend, which runs from Mar 21-24, is a relative newcomer among literary festivals.

Russian diplomats tonight vowed to ensure an Irish charity keeps on caring for its orphans despite being caught up in a passport for spies scandal.

Six Irish passports may have been compromised by a Russian spy ring uncovered in the US earlier this year, it emerged today.

Gardaí are continuing their investigation into claims that an Irish charity volunteer working with orphans in Russia had data from her passport used by a Russian spy ring.

The strength of Dublin’s business and tourist sectors will be promoted in Russia during a weekend of St Patrick’s Day celebrations, it emerged tonight.

Irish comedian Tommy Tiernan will make a road trip to Russia later this year in a bid to raise awareness and funds for Irish based charity To Russia with Love.

IRISH firms have been urged to substantially increase their investment in social causes from 1% to 4%.

TÁNAISTE and Minister for Health and Children, Mary Harney, became the fourth “Mary” to receive the top accolade in the Irish Tatler Women of the Year Award last night.

THE organisers of two separate appeals for the people of Beslan have raised an extraordinary €130,000 in just three days.

HUNDREDS of Irish people queued to sign books of condolences for the victims of the Beslan school massacre.