Mother-and-baby homes: Inquiry terms to be proposed today

Terms of reference for a full inquiry into mother-and-baby homes are due to be agreed today.

Children's minister James Reilly will present the proposals to his Cabinet colleagues at this afternoon's meeting - the first of the new year.

The inquiry follows widespread outcry following claims that up to 800 children had been buried in a former septic tank in Tuam, Co Galway,

The meeting is also likely to discuss overcrowding at hospital emergency departments, and plans for a new system of mandatory pensions.