The think-in — also known or disparaged as away days, team-building weekends, bonding breaks, and time-and-money-down-the-drain exercises — is a fad borrowed by political parties from the world of business.

Representatives of the construction industry have written to all Cork TDs and Senators to warn about ongoing frustrations about the lack of progress on major infrastructure projects in the region.

The public spending €68,000 a year to keep a prisoner in jail due to shelter, heating, food and recreational costs, a senior Government official has confirmed.

Pro-choice members of the Independent Alliance have warned pro-life TDs and senators not to block the 12-week abortion access legislation if there is a yes vote on Friday, saying to do so would ignore the public’s wishes and be “absolutely wrong”.

He’s made no secret of his enthusiasm for trying to keep in shape through jogging and regular morning exercise routines.

There have been calls for the next government to be comprised equally of men and women, in the spirit of commemorating 100 years since women were allowed vote for the fist time.

A series of budget measures aimed at winning over public support which came into effect yesterday risk being undermined by the fact a €3,600 TDs’ pay hike was also introduced at the same time, writes Fiachra Ó Cionnaith.

A series of budget measures aimed at winning over public support which came into effect yesterday risk being undermined by the fact a €3,600 TDs’ pay hike was also introduced at the same time.

Everybody is rushing to stand at McCabe’s shoulder. There is no risk now, writes Michael Clifford

An organisation representing 900 community and voluntary organisations in Co Cork is lobbying TDs and senators in an effort to scrap a major boundary extension to Cork City, which it says will be a “complete disaster” for rural communities if it goes ahead.

TDs will decide this month on whether to compel Pat Hickey to answer questions about the Rio ticket scandal.

Update 2pm: The Dáil has voted to adopt a new rule making it mandatory for TDs to stand during the prayer at the start of business each day.

From providing statues of Holy Mary to sorting sheepdogs, TDs get an incredible range of requests, says Elaine Loughlin.

Transport Minister Shane Ross accused Coalition partners Fine Gael of treating him and his Independent Alliance colleagues as “an inconvenience” and trying to isolate them at Cabinet, writes Daniel McConnell.

TDs will be asked to vote on restoring a weekly payment for people who are too old to work, but too young to claim a pension.

Six TDs could be facing disciplinary action for breaches of the Dáil dress code.

The head of the HSE has told TDs his agency was powerless to control or regulate fundraising at the suicide charity Console.

The Dáil is planning to take almost ten weeks in summer holidays.

A majority of TDs have called for a special committee to be set up to plan the future of the health service.

The ongoing Irish Water stalemate is threatening to bring down the entire government formation talks, after the issue collapsed negotiations for the second time in days.

Gerry Adams has signalled that Sinn Féin will push in the coming days for another general election, as his party launched an attack on attempts by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil to agree a government deal.

Everything was on track. The mood music was good. Government formation negotiators were pointing towards a weekend deal in the making. Then talks broke down again yesterday evening as a further standoff ensued between Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael, writes Juno McEnroe

Thirty-nine opposition TDs have backed a Dáil motion to immediately scrap water charges and hold a referendum to prevent water services from privatisation, pressurising Fianna Fáil to refuse any deal that ignores their pre-election promises.

Fianna Fáil’s negotiating team last night insisted the latest talks stand-off is not just about Irish Water, and that “considerable roadblocks” also exist in housing, education, and rural affairs policies.

Government formation talks stalled for the second time in days last night amid growing concern “fundamental” disagreements over water, housing, education and rural issues cannot be resolved.

39 TDs have backed a Dáil motion to immediately scrap water charges and hold a referendum to prevent water services from privatisation, placing direct pressure on Fianna Fáil not refuse any Fine Gael deal that ignores their pre-election promises.

Fine Gael has said it remains committed to Irish Water - but has said it will not form a Government at any cost.

Sinn Féin has begun talks with independent TDs about potentially forming a new government.

The Dail has heard complaints that TDs are being stymied in trying to ask questions about the stalled IBRC inquiry.

The Taoiseach Enda Kenny appears to have ruled out adding a former junior minister to Fine Gael's election ticket.

TDs may have to vote on whether the Oireachtas will defend a lawsuit launched by Denis O’Brien against a committee and its members in relation to comments made about his banking arrangements.

Stress and depression are causing more and more men to turn their back on sex, Deirdre Reynolds explores the problem, how it is affecting healthy marital relationships, and how it can be resolved.

Fianna Fáil said TDs should be automatically fined a months' wages if they abuse their parliamentary privilege.

Radical reforms on reducing pay and pensions for politicians, term limits for ministers, and limiting Government powers have been proposed by a group of Independent TDs and senators.