Experts are warning that it is likely only a matter of time before a case of the COVID-19 coronavirus is diagnosed in Ireland.
Two Irish people have tested positive for the virus on a cruise ship that was quarantined off the coast of Japan.
They are being treated at a hospital on the mainland. Four other Irish people remain quarantined on the ship.
The former head of the Irish Medical Organisation Dr Martin Daly has warned that it is “likely” we will see the first case on these shores at some point.
More than 75,000 cases of the virus have been detected so far, with over 2,000 deaths.
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Sinn Féin is insisting it can build a coalition government with independents and smaller parties.
Party representatives are meeting with the Labour Party, the Greens and Independents for Change today – with the talks focusing on housing, health and climate.
Meanwhile, the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party will meet again this evening after ruling out working with Sinn Féin last week.
Sinn Féin finance spokesperson Pearse Doherty has said the party is not naive about the numbers – but is insisting a left-leaning coalition is possible “with the right engagement.”
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A Sinn Féin TD has apologised for a series of tweets she posted in the years before she was elected.
Réada Cronin used offensive language, questioned the fluoridation of the public water supply and linked Israel to Nazism.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Ms Cronin said she “never intended to cause hurt or distress to anyone.”
The Kildare North TD's Twitter account has been locked.
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The UK is set to deny visas to low-skilled migrants from next year.
The UK Home Office said it would introduce a new post-Brexit system based on points, with EU and non-EU nationals treated equally.
Under the new system, anyone coming to the UK for work must already have a job offer and speak English.
The UK Government estimates that 70% of EU nationals currently working in the UK would be refused a visa if applying under the new system.
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Treatments for hundreds of mental health patients are being delayed due to a 'total absence' of community support services.
The Mental Health Commission has found significant gaps in the availability of specialist rehabilitation services outside the acute bed system in hospitals.
It says the issues were highlighted to authorities as far back as 2006, but there's been virtually no progress in the years since.
It said the problem is also adding to the overcrowding crisis in acute hospital facilities.
