Trump's stance on climate a concern - Naughten
The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment has said that US President-elect Donald Trump's stance on climate change is causing great concern.
Denis Naughten said, however, that US delegates gathered at UN talks on climate change in Morocco are determined to push ahead with the climate agenda they have committed to.
He said funding the dramatic changes that are needed to combat climate change is a challenge for everyone, but there appeared to be a renewed determination among countries, including the big emitters of carbon, to drive ahead with the agenda, with or without US involvement.
The minister also said that emissions in agriculture have to be driven down.
Nurses in protest outside Dungarvan facility
Up to 30 nurses who are members of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation are protesting in Dungarvan, Co Waterford this afternoon.
They are protesting at what they say is a staff shortage at the 146-bed Dungarvan Community Hospital.
A work-to-rule is due to begin at the hospital next week.
Call for Commission of Inquiry into proposed media takeover
Social Democrats TD Catherine Murphy has called on the Taoiseach to set up a Commission of Inquiry into the proposed takeover of the Celtic Media Group of local newspapers by Independent News and Media.
Ms Murphy asked Enda Kenny to oppose the acquisition, which she said was against the public interest.
She said the cross-ownership of INM headed by businessman Denis O'Brien and Communicore should be considered in tandem.
The Taoiseach said everyone could agree that a free and pluralistic media is an essential component of modern democracy.
He said legislation gives the Minister for Communications power to block any media interest that is likely to be against the public interest.
Russian Economy Minister Ulyukayev detained in bribery case
Russian investigators have detained Economy Minister Alexei Ulyukayev in a bribery case linked to a $5 billion acquisition by state oil giant Rosneft.
Mr Ulyukayev, whose ministry has been overseeing a sell-off of state assets, is the highest-ranking Russian official to be detained while in office since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
State television was quick to present his detention as part of the authorities' fight against corruption.
It may also be evidence of infighting at the highest levels of power and may herald a wider shake-up before the 2018 presidential election.
Focus needed to reduce carbon emissions - IFA
The Chair of the Environment Committee with the Irish Farmers' Association has said that while carbon emissions from farming are increasing, they are still lower than areas such as transport and energy.
Thomas Cooney said there is not a huge amount that can be done to reduce methane emissions from agriculture without reducing the national herd.
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said 90% of the measures in the rural development programme have carbon reducing elements in them.
Mr Cooney added that the Government needs to focus on the motor and energy sectors to ensure their carbon footprint is reduced.
Dublin chocolate factory to get solar installation
A chocolate factory in north Dublin is to get Ireland's largest roof-top solar energy installation.
The Butler's Chocolates plant at Clonshaugh will have 2,850 square metres of its roof area covered by photovoltaic panels, as part of a deal with Gaelectric.
The 1,500 panels will generate 350,000kWh of electricity for the factory providing 14% of its needs, with construction due to begin.
Gaelectric says the project is the first of many similar ones that it will be developing in the near future.
Agreement to host Seanad in National Museum welcomed
The Ceann Comhairle of the Seanad has welcomed agreement by the National Museum to temporarily accommodate Senators in its Ceramics Room while refurbishment work takes place in Leinster House.
Senator Denis O'Donovan said while there were concerns on the part of the National Museum, he was pleased that agreement had been reached.
He noted that 13 venues had been considered and therefore the temporary arrangement was not chosen lightly.
Additional space, an AV room and a lift will be installed in the Museum to accommodate the Seanad. He said the alarm system would be enhanced and finances for project management would be provided.
Senator O'Donovan confirmed that the Ceramics Room would be available to the Museum when the Seanad is in recess.
