Latest: The Government chief whip says some of the comments surrounding the new national maternity hospital are very "misleading".

An investigation into the death of a woman in her 50s at Áras Attracta care centre in Co Mayo will examine whether staff knew she was in the kitchen.

The European Investment Bank is to provide a 25-year loan for a social housing programme.

A report into the penalty points system is to be published by the Garda Inspectorate later today.

Finance Minister Noonan has today laughed off suggestions that Taoiseach Enda Kenny is eyeing a future role in Europe.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan has said that Ireland's reputation abroad has been damaged by "misinformation" about our corporate tax rate.

The Minister for Communications, Pat Rabbitte, has issued a statement on the controversy between RTÉ and the Iona Institute this afternoon, warning the national broadcaster that legal claims cannot be allowed to affect its public service obligations.

The Labour Party will resist attempts by Fine Gael backbenchers to include a sunset clause in proposed abortion legislation — meaning it would have to be reviewed after a certain time before being extended.

Agriculture Minster Simon Coveney said today that agreement has been reached at a European level on new tests for horse DNA and traces of the veterinary drug phenylbutazone, also known as 'bute'.

Dublin Zoo has today unveiled its first adult bull elephant in 100 years.

Minister for Justice, Equality and Defence, Mr. Alan Shatter has today published the Annual Prison Visiting Committee Reports.

The Health Minister has confirmed that a final decision on proceeding with the National Children's Hospital will be made in September.

JUST four out of 200 independent retailers who are licensed to sell alcohol are taking part in an industry-operated scheme regarding the sale of alcohol.

THERE have been calls for the Minister for Health to intervene in at University College Hospital Galway (UCHG) after it was found to be the worst-performing hospital in the country for the second month running.

ENVIRONMENT Minster John Gormley stood beside Taoiseach Brian Cowen during the four-year austerity plan press conference last Wednesday and proudly announced the doubling of Ireland’s carbon taxes (as part of the Green party contribution to that plan).

Fianna Fáil MEP Pat 'The Cope' Gallagher has claimed Tánaiste Mary Coughlan was "not in the loop" when he was asked yesterday by senior Fianna Fáil figures to stand in this month's Donegal South West by-election.

ONE of the country’s longest serving and most outspoken prison governors, John Lonergan, last night marked his retirement, warning that he first raised overcrowding issues at the jail 25 years ago.

ANGLO Irish Bank is the subject of investigations by three separate state bodies, the Garda Fraud Bureau, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and the Financial Regulator, it has emerged.

THE huge expenses bill run up by John O’Donoghue during his time as Minister for Arts, Sports and Tourism was indicative of the broader “carry on” in Fianna Fáil that was “fast and loose with the tax payers’ money”, according to Fine Gael.

Education Minister Batt O'Keeffe is indicating that he will press ahead with proposals to reintroduce third-level fees.

THE Government’s promise of a talks forum to resolve bitter disputes over the controversial Corrib gas project descended into chaos yesterday.

The Minister for Finance Brian Lenihan has said that direct investment by the State in the banking sector is “a last resort.”

The aid agency GOAL is seeking a meeting with Minster for Foreign Affairs Dermot Ahern to discuss concerns about the new Rapid Response Corps launched by the Government yesterday.

A LEAS Cross-style inquiry into the substandard care exposed at a second private nursing home is still a possibility, the minister with responsibility for older people said.

HIGH winds may have blown yesterday’s Ryder Cup schedule off course but upbeat tourism chiefs say the industry is still on target to benefit massively from the event.

THE Government will attempt to block any sale of Aer Lingus’ valuable landing slots at Heathrow once the airline is privatised, Finance Minister Brian Cowen has indicated.

A cash injection of €1.7m is being ploughed into tackling drug misuse among young people, it was announced today.

A new scheme which gives young people the chance to serve with the UN in developing countries will benefit Ireland’s expanding aid programme, Minster of State Conor Lenihan said today.

A ROW between psychiatrists and the Health Minister worsened yesterday as they rejected her Christmas appeal to take part in new mental health tribunals.

Ireland's referendum on the European Constitution has been thrown into further doubt.

Political Editor Harry McGee looks at how TDs and senators supplement their Oireachtas salary.

The Labour Party has asked for urgent clarification from the Minister for Defence following his removal of the chairman of the Civil Defence Board last Friday.

TWO reports have accused the Sudanese government and Arab militia of massive abuses in the western Darfur region where one million people have been displaced.

FARMERS have warned of strong resistance against Education Minster Noel Dempsey’s proposals to assess land and assets to decide who qualifies for college grants.

WE in the Environmental Health Officers Association are disappointed with the stance taken by Martin Cullen and other elected representatives on the proposed ban on smoking in the workplace.

It is understood the Irish Farmers Association is planning a protest next week over farm incomes and over their dissatisfaction with the Government.

At least 17 people died today when a small airliner crashed in fog as it made its final approach to a Luxembourg airport.

A HUMAN skull and steps to a possible underground chamber were among significant finds made by archeologists at the Carrickmines Castle site hours before they were forced to abandon the excavation.

THE 60 million plan to acquire three Air Corps search and rescue helicopters will proceed next year, despite the cutbacks in this year's budget, Defence Minister Michael Smith insisted yesterday.