Tough winter possible as Govt monitors economic shocks If there was an image to sum up the Government's Spring economic forecast, it might be Gene Kelly Singin' in the Rain in the 1952 film of the same name.

www.rte.ie/news/politic... Government Singin’ in the Rain

The Taoiseach told a meeting of his party tonight that “none of us are perfect , that there is always space for all of us to do better and to improve how we serve the people that elected us .”

Curlew conservation scheme makes breakthrough A conservation measure aimed at reversing the decline in the curlew population has yielded a breakthrough as the first recorded instance of a 'headstarted' curlew that has established a breeding terri...

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The Cabinet was told this week that the cost of gas could be 30% higher by June and a barrel of oil could be trading as high as €150 a barrel at that point if the Strait of Hormuz is still blocked.

The Taoiseach last night met with three of his party’s TDs who yesterday issued a statement saying the social contract was strained to breaking point.

Protests end but pressure begins to mount on Fianna Fáil The protests on the streets may have ceased, but the political upheaval may have just commenced.

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An urgent meeting of the Fianna Fáil parliamentary party has been requested by TDs Seán Ó Fearghaíl and Paudie O’Sullivan, as well as Senator Anne Rabbitte, to discuss the causes of its difficulties and how it can restore public trust.

Road ahead for Govt challenging as Healy-Rae departs The road ahead for the Coalition appears challenging after the Healy-Rae brothers decided last week's fuel protests left them too vulnerable to remain in Government

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Michael Healy-Rae resigns from Government.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has said that there is no need for any sort of "formal review" into media coverage of the recent fuel protests

It looks like Barry Heneghan and Gillian Toole will support the Government in today’s confidence motion but Danny Healy-Rae’s thinking is still unclear.

Some indications that Government would view a no vote from Danny Healy-Rae in today’s confidence motion as a breach of its agreement with both himself and his brother. It was based on the understanding that two votes secured one ministerial job, which went to Michael Healy-Rae.

The Dáil will resume tomorrow at 2pm after the Easter break and get straight down to debating and voting on a confidence motion in the Government. A row is likely as Leaders’ Questions is being cast aside to make way for the debate.

Asked if Jim O’Callaghan discussed using Defence Forces with Taoiseach and Tánaiste last Wednesday, a spokesperson for the Taoiseach said they spoke “regarding the blockade of critical infrastructure, particularly the Whitegate oil refinery and the government’s response to that”

Ahead of tomorrow’s confidence vote IND TD Barry Heneghan said he was carefully considering his position and consulting with his team. He added that he was progressing private wires legislation to reduce wasted renewable energy and that work would stop if the Government falls.

Due to ongoing disruptions, the State Examinations Commission (SEC) has deferred the practical examinations scheduled for Monday, 13 April only for Leaving Certificate Music and Junior Cycle Home Economics.

FF TDs and Senators have been summoned to Dublin early tomorrow morning for a parliamentary party meeting in Leinster House at 11am. It follows discussions today between the Taoiseach and the Chief Whip Mary Butler.

Cabinet meetings on Sundays are rare and almost always happen at a time of crisis, tomorrow is no different as Government moves to sign off on supports for hauliers, farmers and fishing sector. Taoiseach and Tánaiste to meet in the morning and full Cabinet to convene around 4pm.

Melia makes instant impact in first Spurs U21s appearance Former St Patrick's Athletic striker Mason Melia scored just three minutes into his first appearance for Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s on Saturday.

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No resolution yet for rules on back-garden building Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Independents have still not worked out how best to allow people to build modular homes without planning permission in their back gardens.

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Three American White Pelicans against a clear blue sky as they fly back to their breeding colony on Middle Quill Lake.

Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #LargeBirdsInFlight. Three American White Pelicans in #Saskatchewan, Canada. A 2.4 to 3 metre wingspan if I recall correctly.

#ECK #photography #birds #nature #wildlife #Kodachrome #1990s #VintageLens #ManualFocus

Up to 19,000 derelict properties to be covered by new tax As many as 19,000 properties could be covered by the new Derelict Property Tax, which is set to be included in the Finance Bill later in the year.

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Talk of reserves evokes grim memories of past shocks The country is edging closer to an energy supply shock that will hit the economy and the only way this will be avoided is if the war in Iran ends very soon, writes Political Correspondent Mícheál Leha...

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This proposal won’t go to Cabinet after all.

It is understood Cabinet will sign off on planning exemptions for habitable dwelling in back gardens of up to 45sqm in floor area. It can be rented under licence and can avail of tax relief under the Rent a Room Scheme.

Looks like proposals on planning exemptions for cabins in back gardens will now go to Cabinet after party leaders met in Government Buildings in the last hour.

In a World where uncertainty prevails the Government will today take the first step to nailing down next year’s finances when it announces that Budget Day will be set for October 6th.

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. More gorgeous pasqueflowers opening up in the sunshine on a rough bank.

Sunset in Cahersiveen.