More than 200 British MPs from across the political divide have signed a letter urging UK Prime Minister Theresa May to rule out a no-deal Brexit.
MPs return to Westminster today with the Mrs May insisting next week’s vote on the Brexit withdrawal Agreement will go ahead.
It remains unclear if Mrs May will be able to win the required level of support to get the deal passed – and she has warned her colleagues that the country will enter 'unchartered territory' if it is rejected.
Speaking from his visit to Mali, West Africa, the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said the ongoing dispute was a matter of internal British Politics but said Irish officials will be monitoring the situation very closely in the coming days.
***
The Taoiseach has said that all Irish citizens around the world are entitled to consular assistance after a Dublin man was captured by Syrian Democratic Forces fighting ISIS in Syria.
The 45-year-old was one of five men detained, when patrols targeted a terror cell at Deir ez-Zor, on December 30th.
Gardaí believe the man is a naturalised Irish citizen who departed Ireland in 2013.
The SDF said it made the arrests after breaking up a terror ring that was preparing to attack civilians fleeing the war zone in masses.
***
The Irish Hospital Consultants Association has warned that trolley figures reached their highest level ever in hospitals last year.
Over 108,000 patients had to wait on trolleys or in wards for an acute bed to become available last year.
The IHCA said essential surgery is being cancelled due to the extent of the public hospital deficits.
It is calling for capacity in Ireland’s hospitals to be restored as quickly as possible by adding the 2,600 beds recommended in the bed capacity review.
***
The Irish Family Planning Association is to start providing abortion care at two of its clinics in Dublin today.
The organisation said it is ready to provide services at its Dublin City Centre and Tallaght clinics – as long as the key elements of HSE services are finalised.
IFPA chief executive, Niall Behan, said the organisation was founded at a time when even basic contraception was illegal in this country.
He said it is 'truly momentous' that it is now at a place where it can provide safe and legal abortion care for women and girls in Ireland.
***
Queen movie Bohemian Rhapsody was the surprise winner of two major awards at last night's Golden Globes.
It took home the prize for Best Film Drama and Best Drama Actor for Rami Malek, who played late front man Freddie Mercury.
In the TV drama category, Sandra Oh won Best Actress for her role in Killing Eve - meaning Irish actress Caitriona Balfe missed out.
There were also wins last night for Olivia Colman, Christian Bale and Richard Madden - who took home best TV drama actor for his role in Bodyguard.