The Government will formally agree the start to the budget process this week as pressure mounts to bring forward talks on extending the confidence and supply deal with Fianna Fáil.

Fine Gael rural TDs have cornered Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy over concerns about building and infrastructure plans over the next two decade for areas outside urban centres.

Bank chiefs are facing the threat of tougher levies or even fines if they fail to set out how and when customers ripped off by the tracker mortgage scandal will be properly repaid and compensated.

Fine Gael TDs and senators will be whipped into voting in favour of a significant beefing up of Ireland’s drink-driving laws, despite concerns about the impact it could have on rural communities.

Middle earners who earn less than the average working wage but who pay the top rate of tax may be moved to a lower third rate of income tax, under plans being developed by the Government.

The Junior Finance Minister says high taxes are scaring off foreign companies.

The first payments of claims to customers of the collapsed Setanta Insurance will be made shortly, according to Government.

New third-level courses are to be rolled out as part of a plan to draw international financial services companies to Ireland in the wake of Brexit.

Moves to bring down the soaring cost of car insurance have been announced.

The Cabinet is to sign off on taking in children from the former ‘Jungle’ refugee camp in Calais.

Senior Fine Gael negotiators have warned Independents of a summer of political strife and a possible second election if a government is not formed.

Fine Gael ranks are divided on whether the party should enter any power-sharing deal with their arch-enemies Fianna Fáil.

The Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris has denied the Government has given up on getting money from Europe to help cover the cost of bailing out our banks.

Junior Finance Minister Simon Harris has hit out at the leader of Sinn Féin, saying "victim syndrome has engulfed Gerry Adams".

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

A Fine Gael minister has said the case of a raped suicidal teenager who was denied an abortion is "deeply unsettling", but that it is hard to say if a referendum will be held on such an issue.

A new survey published today forecasts further gains for Sinn Féin in the European elections.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said he does not accept accusations that the Government "stitched up" the former Garda Commissioner.

The government has announced details of the largest St Patrick's Day travel programme since it came to office.

Two Government funds will help alleviate the costs of damage from flooding in communities and homes, ministers have agreed.

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has again raised the prospect of cutting taxes for struggling families.

Homes and business owners are beginning to count the cost as the latest 120km/h winds batter the west and south coasts.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is preparing to address the nation on live TV tonight to mark the end of the IMF bailout.

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has downplayed the chances of Ireland missing its deficit target.

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has admitted that more credit unions are in difficulties, but he says the problem is manageable.

Around 100 credit unions are on a Central Bank watch list because of concerns over the level of their reserves and bad debts.

The Junior Finance Minister has admitted that the Government will be hard pushed to achieve universal free GP care by 2016.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said there is leeway for the Government in devising next year's Budget.

The North's Finance Minister Sammy Wilson has accused the Irish Government of “stealing” UK tax revenue.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said that the Government may lower its savings target for public-sector wages from €300m this year to €250m.

The Government has conceded that it may not achieve the planned €300m savings in the public sector pay bill this year as crunch talks on cuts with trade unions continue this week.

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has admitted he wouldn't pay the head of Bank of Ireland €843,000 a year.

The Energy Minister Pat Rabbitte has denied there was a communications breakdown within Government on the introduction of water charges.

Everything will be back on the table if the Croke Park 2 proposals are not accepted by unions, Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has warned today.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes said today that a deal on Ireland's bank debt is unlikely before September.

A Fine Gael TD has defended the Department of Finance's Secretary General John Moran, who is being criticised by the Labour Minister Joan Burton over comments he made about house repossessions.

The Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has said there is frustration in Government when it comes to how slowly the banks are dealing with the mortgage crisis.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes said today that Government will not look for more public sector pay cuts if a new Croke Park agreement can be reached.

Junior Finance Minister Brian Hayes has indicated the Government may make a full apology to the survivors of the Magdalene laundries, after it reads the report

Read More:

Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore said today that talks on renegotiating the payment of the Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes are now at a critical stage.