Around 500 water charges protesters have gathered outside Labour's party conference in Killarney.

The protesters are demanding the immediate abolition of water charges, and the freeing of campaigners who were jailed two weeks ago for contempt of court.

A small number of demonstrators tried to breach the barriers guarding the entrance to the conference venue, but otherwise the event was peaceful.

Dublin city councillor Brid Smith was among those taking part - she says Labour has broken a major promise to the public:

The conference has heard that new fathers could be given two weeks of paid leave before the end of the year, while it has also passed a motion calling for laws to freeze rents for two years.

Meanwhile an emergency motion on the sale of Aer Lingus to be debated tomorrow calls for comprehensive plans for the promotion of Cork and Shannon Airports.

It is one of four demands of eight rebel Labour TDs, who are demanding the government refuse to support the sale of the airline unless the concerns are met.

The draft motion, seen by Newstalk, is signed by eight TDs from Dublin, Clare and Meath.

It says Aer Lingus has survived 9/11, the economic crisis, has unique US pre-clearance and has strong growth forecasts.

Acknowledging that workers have gone through several restructuring, the motion if passed asks the government to reject any further offer unless it:

• addresses an independent valuation of assets, including the Heathrow slots
• gives reliable and meaningful guarantees around the Heathrow slots
• gives a registered employment agreement to protect workers terms
• and it must articulate a comprehensive plan for the promotion of Cork and Shannon Airports

Ahead of that debate tomorrow, today the conference will focus on the economy, the environment and justice.

Last night they voted to reverse dole cuts for under-26s, and to include a referendum on repealing the 8th amendment in the next election manifesto.