Voters will take to the polls in four by-elections across the country today.
Voting centres in Dublin Midwest, Dublin Fingal, Cork North Central and Wexford open at 7am and will stay open until 10pm this evening.
The elections are to replace the four TDs who were elected to the European Parliament in May.
Many candidates are expecting the turnout in these elections to be low – with some saying they would be surprised if it topped 35%.
The new TDs will take their seats in the Dáil for the first time next Tuesday.
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Private medical records have been found in recycling bins, public streets and parks this year.
According to figures released under Freedom of Information files, the HSE has recorded 363 data-protection breaches since January.
Insurance claims connected to Wexford Hospital were sent to the wrong insurance company and children's files were lost in Kerry.
The Irish Patients Association said the high number of breaches is a “major cause of concern.”
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Campaigners are welcoming revised plans for a direct-provision centre in Co Leitrim.
Last month, plans emerged for 130 asylum-seekers to be accommodated in apartments in the town – but after widespread opposition and protests, the Department of Justice paused the proposal.
The Immigration Minister David Stanton is now saying just 27 people will be accommodated in apartments in the town before Christmas.
He met the community about the plans yesterday and has said he received a positive response.
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Students are to take to the streets of Dublin again today demanding immediate climate action.
This is the second massive protest, after over 20,000 people showed up in September.
The Schools' Climate Action Network say the government is planning a back door deal to import nationally banned fracked gas into Shannon.
It will begin at 1 o'clock this afternoon outside Leinster House.
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The Late Late Toy Show is hitting screens tonight and this year’s theme is Disney’s Frozen.
Presenter Ryan Tubridy is preparing for his 11th Toy Show – which will include tributes to his late-predecessor Gay Byrne.
Alongside the usual mix of performances, toy testers and special guests, producers are promising an “outrageous” opening scene.
The show gets underway at 9:35pm tonight.
