The childcare plan for healthcare workers has been scrapped by the Government due to a lack of providers.
The scheme, which was due to be rolled out from Monday would see childminders go into the homes of healthcare staff at a cost of €90 a week per family.
However, Children's Minister Katherine Zappone announced last night it would be cancelled - with the Government saying it will look into alternatives surrounding childcare.
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The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) meets this morning, a day earlier than expected, to consider what advice it will give on easing some COVID-19 restrictions from Monday.
They will also decide their position on people wearing masks in shops and on public transport, before ministers sign off on the measures tomorrow.
Ten more people with the virus have died, bringing the death toll to 1,497 - while there are 23,400 confirmed cases.
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In the UK, the first testing kit which looks for antibodies for coronavirus in blood samples has been approved by Public Health England.
It could be the key to easing lockdown restrictions there, as it shows whether someone has had COVID-19.
The body says it has proven to be 100% accurate, describing it as a "very positive development".
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A bridge in Dublin was closed for a number of hours last night after a grenade, dating to the War of Independence, was found.
The discovery was made at Harold's Cross Bridge yesterday evening.
The help of the Army Bomb Disposal Team was requested, and the device was made safe at the scene.
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Single parents were paid €533m in social welfare last year - an increase of €22m on 2018.
The One-Parent Family Payment is given to men and women who are bringing up children without their partner's support.
Last year 39,533 parents collected the payment - up nearly 300 on the year before.
