The Government has denied being responsible for delays in a review of cervical cancer smear tests and has blamed problems with consent and attempts to assess previous screening.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has warned Ryanair chief executive Michael O’Leary that thousands of stranded passengers “who pay the wages” of directors and pilots could hit back at the airline if pay talks stand-off deepens.

Alternative post-Brexit maritime routes between Ireland and France have been discussed by port authorities as fears of a no-deal exit deepen.