'Significant gaps' between EU and UK on Brexit - Coveney

The Tánaiste Simon Coveney has said that "significant gaps" remain between the European Union and the United Kingdom on Brexit.

Mr Coveney was speaking from Brussels following a meeting with the EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier.

They both described it as a good meeting and stated the need for serious workable solutions from the UK on how to break the Brexit impasse.

All Bord na Móna jobs now under threat, trade union claims 

Bord na Móna has said it is "awaiting decisions" on two power stations, as a group of unions warned a crisis in the semi-state company has reached a "critical stage."

The Group of Unions (GOU) - which represents workers at Bord na Móna - is made up of SIPTU, CONNECT and UNITE.

Following a meeting on Thursday, it said the firm may have to "take unpopular and decisive action" within a month.

Couple in Lidl advert attacked with racist abuse online

The Taoiseach Leo Varadkar says social media attacks on a mixed-race couple from Co Meath are 'disgusting'.

He was responding after the couple received online racist abuse for appearing in a Lidl advert.

Mr Varadkar told journalists in Los Angeles that he 'unreservedly condemns' the online abuse.

New energy regulations to come into effect for renovations and new homes

New energy efficiency regulations are coming into effect, which could significantly increase the cost of building or doing up a house.

From November 1st, new houses will have to have a near zero energy rating of A2, instead of the current A3 BER standard.

If major renovations or extensions are carried out on an existing home, it must be brought up to a B2 standard.

Japanese airline offers seat map tool allowing passengers to avoid babies

A Japanese airline has introduced a way for passengers to ensure they do not get seated beside a screaming baby.

When passengers are selecting a seat for their Japan Airlines flight, a baby emoji will appear where children under two are seated.

Explaining the policy, Japan Airlines said: "Passengers traveling with children between 8 days and 2 years old who select their seats on the JAL website will have a child icon displayed on their seats on the seat selection screen.