A number of prominent politicians have called on the Government to establish an immediate State inquiry into forced and illegal adoption.

Developers lobbied ministers to get approval for high-rise buildings in Dublin city, including attempts to overcome “red tape” in obtaining planning with authorities.

The Probation Service and Rape Crisis Network Ireland have backed draft laws regarding the disclosure of information, electronic tagging and restricting foreign travels of convicted sex offenders.

The Government is expected to stall a Bill which would stop sex offenders travelling abroad.

Proposed new laws to ban paedophiles and sex offenders from foreign travel are to be unveiled in the new year.

A four-time Nobel Peace Prize nominee has called on developed countries to ban paedophiles and suspected sex offenders from foreign travel in the same way as suspected terrorists.

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has laid the blame at local authorities for the delay in building social houses in the Dáil today.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny is to visit Dublin's North inner city this evening.

Fianna Fáil TD Sean O Fearghail has been elected to become the new Ceann Comhairle of the Dáil.

There are claims Ireland will be seen as a laughing stock for failing to protect the Moore Street site of the 1916 Rising.

A meeting between local politicians and the GAA over the Croke Park concerts has been described as "constructive".

A group of Independent TDs are vowing to fight the Government plans to abolish the Seanad.

The Irish Wildlife Trust has said Ireland is lagging behind the rest of Europe by not introducing a ban on fox hunting and hare coursing.

Senator David Norris today remained under pressure to drop his bid to secure a nomination for the Presidency amid disquiet over his plea for leniency for former partner Ezra Yizhak Nawi.

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

One of the politicians supporting David Norris' bid for the presidency has said he has been the target of a nasty campaign.

Presidential candidate David Norris was today joined at Leinster House by a number of his supporters within the Oireachtas, who have agreed to sign his nomination papers in September.

Twenty-two TDs gathered at the gates of Leinster House in Dublin today to call on the Government to overturn consents granted by former Minister Pat Carey to Shell E&P Ireland on the day of the recent General Election.

With all bar four of the 43 constituencies in the General Election finished counting, the country’s political scene has undergone a sea change.

Former Minister for Tourism Mary Hanafin has failed to retain her seat in Dun Laoghaire. Richard Boyd Barrett won the seat, bringing the haul of seats for Independents and others to 17.

The election of Fine Gael's Mary Mitchell O'Connor in Dun Laoghaire brings to 141 the total number of seats filled so far (from a total of 166).

Independent Maureen O'Sullivan has been elected Dublin North Central; the late Tony Gregory's constituency.

DUBLIN CENTRAL - FIRST COUNT

Sinn Féin and two Independents have formed a new technical group in the Dáil.

Former RTÉ economics editor George Lee delivered his maiden speech to the Dáil today.

The country's two new TDs have taken up their seats in the Dáil.

The Government is set to table a motion of confidence in itself when the Dáil meets this afternoon.

Dublin's newest TD is promising to serve the communities in Dublin Central and the issue they present.

Independent candidate Maureen O'Sullivan has officially been elected in Dublin Central by-election tonight.

Former journalist George Lee is on course for victory in the Dublin South by-election.

Fianna Fáil has selected its two candidates for the forthcoming by-elections in Dublin.

The Green Party has selected its candidate for the forthcoming Dublin Central by-election.