US President Donald Trump has launched a new probe to examine steel trade between the US, China, and other steel exporters.
This could be the first major step towards the future introduction of new tariffs.
"Steel is critical to both our economy and our military ... This is not an area where we can afford to become dependent on foreign countries," the Republican stated.
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Eir is asking the State to reimburse €56m which it has spent operating rural phone lines.
This comes after news emerged last week that the telecoms company was handed a €3m fine from Comreg for missing a number of performance targets in relation to connecting and repairing rural phone services.
Despite rapid changes in the communications market, Eir remains the State’s universal social provider which requires it to supply phone lines in remote (and unprofitable) areas at a cost of up to €7,000 - if it costs more then the individual or business must also contribute.
It has argued that this cost should be shared by all providers operating in the Irish market.
It is seeking €12m from the State for providing these lines last year and a further €44m for providing these services between 2010 and 2015 according to The Irish Independent.
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Spanish beer maker Hijos de Rivera is set to take a 32% stake in The Carlow Brewing company, the makers of O'Hara's craft beer.
The finances behind the deal have not been disclosed, the firm has struck previous deals to sell its craft beers in Spain.
"We have spent the last two years developing our connection with the brewery since they became our Spanish importer, and this gives me great confidence they can make a significant contribution to the future success of Carlow Brewing Company, especially in helping us develop new and existing export markets for our beer and cider," Carlow Brewing Company chief executive, Seamus O’Hara, commented.
Hijos de Rivera is best known for making Estrella Galicia lager.
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The Taoiseach will travel to the Hague today as part of Ireland's efforts to have its interests prioritised in Brexit negotiations.
Enda Kenny's visit comes after the UK Prime Minister shocked European leaders this week and launched an election campaign.
While negotiations don't officially get underway for a number of weeks.
