No response to tender for new contract, current provider opted not to seek renewal

Taoiseach would be wise to pay attention to the end of The Grinch on the eve of the Dáil Christmas recess

Primary school principals say balancing books is ‘impossible’ without seeking parental donations

Legislation passed second stage in previous Dáil but TDs decided by 73 to 71 to reject Bill

Réada Cronin says she will continue trying to persuade Sinn Féin ardfheis to ban ‘abhorrent, cruel, barbaric’ activity

Report lays out process that ultimately proved disastrous for the party’s presidential election hopes

In the News podcast: In a hectic political year, the challenge was to choose just a handful of stories

Scheme to be presented by Simon Harris aims for up to 5,000 new homes in the next few years

We know the Government is failing on housing. But so is the Opposition

Plus: Santa defends the deer, selling milk to the lactose intolerant and a Eurovision we’re still in

Government sides with Labour in row over Leaders’ Questions pecking order

TDs clash after 'muppet' remark and mounting anger over potential €20-€50 pharmacy fees for vulnerable patients

Meanwhile, Jim O’Callaghan continues to lean into the immigration debate

Ethel Gannon, Coco Gould and Padmé Murphy just three of the pets namechecked as TDs backed case for stronger protections

Taoiseach says ‘we will go back and discuss this with the HSE’ but it was never agreed the State should pay

Dog breeding ‘a profit model gone absolutely mad’, TD says when introducing Bill to regulate €200 million industry

Ibec urges increase in defence and security spending to safeguard business

Young campaigner Cara Darmody was the star of the hour as tree-lighting ceremony was moved inside

Both policies form core of Government’s pitch to voters: it will address chronic issues in delivery while curing symptoms of cost-of-living crisis

The Taoiseach grins in the driver’s seat while Sensible Simon steers the economy