Marine Minister Pat "the Cope" Gallagher has welcomed the introduction of new EC safeguard measures to help protect Irish farmed salmon sales within the EU market.

Irish Ferries has begun laying off workers due to an escalating row over attempts to outsource staff on a shipping route, it was confirmed today.

The reshuffle of Junior Ministers has been completed by Government at a meeting this evening.

Political Correspondent Fionnán Sheahan says FF grassroots will not accept imposed candidates.

The Government has defeated an opposition motion calling for electronic voting to be deferred until an independent electoral commission has been established to oversee it.

Ireland’s newest MEP has been formally appointed to the European Parliament in Strasbourg.