Report recommends most families should not have to pay for water
The report of an expert group on water charges has been released - with the recommendation that most families should not have to pay.
The expert group says the "normal domestic and personal needs" of most citizens should be be provided free - and users should only pay for "excessive or wasteful use".
"What is proposed here does not amount to the provision of a ‘free allowance’ of water nor does it involve additional direct subsidies by the State to the water utility," the report states.
71 killed after plane carrying Brazilian football team crashes in Colombia
Fans of Brazil's soccer team Chapecoense gather outside the Arena Conda stadium in Chapeco. Picture by Andre Penner AP/Press Association Images
Officials say the number of people killed in a plane crash in Colombia is fewer than previously thought, as four passengers on the flight list were not on board.
Search and rescue teams now say 71 people were killed after a plane carrying members of a Brazilian football team crashed following a suspected electrical fault.
Welsh UKIP politician suggests Ireland could access EU funds for Welsh motorway works
A UKIP member of the Welsh Assembly has asked the country's First Minister if Ireland could fund part of the cost of a Welsh motorway improvement scheme after Brexit.
Speaking in the Assembly this afternoon, Assembly Member David Rowlands asked: "Will the First Minister explore the possibility of part of the cost for the M4 improvement scheme being borne by the Irish Government, given that three quarters of all Irish exports to the EU and UK pass along that road?"
Fianna Fáil in Dublin Central to write letter asking Bertie Ahern to rejoin party
Image: RollingNews.ie
Fianna Fáil's branch in Dublin Central has passed a motion calling for a letter to be written to Bertie Ahern asking the former Taoiseach to rejoin the party.
The motion was passed unanimously by all members in attendance at tonight's meeting.
Government to invite public service unions for talks on 'anomalies' in Lansdowne Road Agreement
Trade unions have welcomed an invite by the Government to discuss the implications of the recent Garda pay recommendations.
SIPTU has deferred its planned public service ballot in the wake of the development.
