Health Minister says increasing excise on alcohol won't necessarily increase the price of alcohol in shops.

Leo Varadkar says that he is aware of some retailers who are selling drink below the combined cost and amount of the excise duty.

The Health Minister, who wants to increase the price of alcohol in an effort to tackle binge drinking, says increasing excise on alcohol won't necessarily increase the the price of alcohol in shops.

TWEETS: Paddy Barnes applauds Katie Taylor's sweet retort to Michael Conlon's medal giveaway

Michael Conlon is looking to find a new home for one of his many boxing medals, but it certainly won't be going to Katie Taylor.

The European, World, Olympic and Commonwealth medal winner, took to Twitter today, to showcase his collection of medallions with an impressive photo of them all around his neck captioned by the question, 'Medal anyone?'

WATCH: Aer Lingus release tear-jerking Christmas family reunion video

Prepare the hankies.

As families from all over the world reunite for the Christmas season, Aer Lingus brought five lucky families back together for the holidays.

The lucky five - Nigel, Fintan, Niamh and her daughter Saoirse, Tomás and Clare - traveled home courtesy of the airline from various states in the US.

The surprise trip is recorded from the U.S. airports, taking in all of the other Irish travelers who are also heading back home, and culminates with the big reunion with the family members who had no idea they were coming home.

Angela Lansbury to receive Volta Award from Dublin Film Festival next year

Dame Angela Lansbury has just been announced as the next recipient of the prestigious Volta Award.

Next year during the Audi Dublin International Film Festival, Dame Lansbury will join the list of previous winners including Al Pacino, Daniel Day Lewis, Kristin Scott Thomas, Martin Sheen and Dame Julie Andrews.

Independent senator Averil Power printed 73,000 calendars at taxpayer's expense

It was discovered that Independent Senator Averil Power had printed 73,000 copies of her 2016 calendar at the expense of the tax payers.

The figures were released by Leinster House authorities earlier today after a Freedom of Information request was put forward by the Irish Times.

The former Fianna Fáil senator had ordered the A4 calendars through the Oireachtas service which can print constituency material for members at no direct costs to themselves.

Based on previous figures, it's estimated that the calendars would have involved materials costing over €1,800, not including the time spent by staff on printing.