Consultant oncologist and Senator John Crowne says pharmaceutical companies will not be put off coming to Ireland if we prescribe generic drugs.

The Director of Human Health and Nutrition at Safefood says Irish children are living in a hostile and toxic environment when it comes to childhood obesity.

A prominent senator has added his backing to the support for Health Minister James Reilly despite the continued criticism, from many areas, towards the minister's performance.

The Minister for Health James Reilly is being urged to ''fire a torpedo'' at the bureaucratic approach to the health service.

A leading senator and oncologist says the Croke Park Agreement has been a disaster for consultants.

Four politicians have said they will continue to support Senator David Norris in his bid to become the president of Ireland.

Jobs and the economy are set to top the agenda at Fine Gael's national conference in Co Kerry this weekend.