Former trade union leader Joe O’Toole has been made chairman of an expert commission to decide on the future of water charges and Irish Water.

A fast-track planning process for large developments and a special ‘use it or lose it’ infrastructure fund for local authorities are options being considered to help solve the housing crisis, Housing Minister Simon Coveney has said.

When is an emergency not an emergency? asks Daniel McConnell

The acting Justice Minister has said it is "unlikely" there will be a vote to elect a new Taoiseach this week.

Potential kingmakers the Independent Alliance met with Fine Gael negotiator Simon Coveney and junior minister Simon Harris for 90 minutes last night as pressure builds over talks to form a government.

The likelihood of a second general election this year has risen significantly as leading figures in Fianna Fáil intensified their opposition to the proposed “grand coalition” with Fine Gael.

Fine Gael officials will decide on whether to run under-pressure European Affairs Minister Dara Murphy in the general election at a grass-roots vote in his constituency tonight.

Dairy farmers who have lost a quarter of their income from the drop in milk prices are in line for a boost from the EU with Agriculture Commissioner Phil Hogan announcing a €500m package of aid.

The government minister who has pledged to deliver a multimillion-euro events centre for Cork has urged people to be patient amid growing concerns over the apparent lack of progress on the project.

The Government is expected to extend the Irish Naval Service humanitarian mission in the Mediterranean today as donations flood in for an aid convoy bound for Calais.

The Government wants the European Commission to tap into an €800m superlevy package as part of a major intervention plan to help dairy farmers hit by collapsing incomes.