The State is to to pay the costs of a case in which the High Court blocked an inquiry into patient health and welfare at the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.

A Dublin mother whose emotional Facebook appeal has now been viewed over 60,000 times has called on the HSE to act now to provide "nothing more" than the desperate care her son needs, writes Ciara Phelan.

The super junior Minister for Health Finian McGrath has admitted he did raise concerns about the HPV vaccine weeks before entering government.

The new Minister for Health Simon Harris is being warned of increased costs for the National Children's Hospital.

The Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris has said Ireland's highest rate of income tax is proving a disincentive to work.

Fianna Fáil’s Kieran Hartley has been eliminated after the 11th count in the Ireland South European election constituency.

An actor from TV crime drama Love/Hate has been shot in the leg in Dublin overnight.

In the cinematic desert that is the January-February movie-release schedule, one gains a greater appreciation for mere competence.

Kids' movies may be the most difficult cinematic mountains to climb.

Ian McKellen refused to take over Richard Harris' role of Professor Dumbledore in the Harry Potter film franchise - because his portrayal of wizard Gandalf in the Lord of the Rings trilogy is far superior to the Hogwarts character.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe has paid an emotional tribute to his late co-star Richard Harris, maintaining filming is less fun without him.

Former 'N Sync star Lance Bass has inspired a new term for gay celebrities who are outed by members of the media.

Russell Crowe unveiled a bronze statue in honour of late screen wildman Richard Harris in the iconic actor's native Ireland this weekend.

Silence of the Lambs author Thomas Harris' new Hannibal Lecter novel - about the cannibal's early years - will hit bookstores this Christmas.

Iestyn Harris has turned his back on “the ultimate dream” of playing for the Lions when Clive Woodward takes them to New Zealand next year by deciding to return to rugby league.

GLASGOW flanker Cameron Mather will make a 12,000-mile dash to bolster the Scotland squad but admits leaving his clubmates ahead of their crucial Celtic League match against the Borders is tough.

Ireland 35 Wales12

IRELAND out-half Paul Burke (Harlequins) sustained a hamstring injury in training yesterday and has withdrawn from the 22-man Ireland squad for next Saturday’s permanent tsb international at Lansdowne Road against Wales.

A US company that sells meditation music has filed a federal lawsuit against the file-swapping internet site Napster.