Taoiseach Micheál Martin continues his St Patrick's week visit to the US, with an intensive day of trade promotion and business investment meetings in Washington DC.

Both the US and Irish sides played their parts in yesterday's proceedings, but US President Donald Trump did seem to have a genuine soft spot for the Irish - time will tell what that means for Ireland's future.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, dressed in military fatigues, has ordered top commanders to defeat Ukrainian forces in the western region of Kursk as soon as possible after the United States asked him to consider a 30-day ceasefire proposal.

Five mainland primary schools have more staff than they have pupils, according to the Department of Education.

School is where our children learn vital socialisation skills, they learn to play and get along together. But a system that allows schools that tiny to continue, even if just for one year, is denying some this vital companionship, writes Emma O Kelly...

Over 200 Ukrainian refugees have been issued with letters from the Department of Children and Integration for a second time in three weeks, stating that they must leave their accommodation.

Initial reactions to a 30-day ceasefire from Kremlin-controlled media outlets suggest that agreeing to an immediate truce with Ukraine under the current circumstances runs counter to Russia's strategic interests.

A Hamas spokesperson has welcomed US President Donald Trump's apparent retreat from his proposal for a permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

There have been calls for urgent action to address mental health difficulties among those experiencing homelessness.

Pope Francis marks 12 years as head of the Catholic Church, seemingly out of danger after a month in hospital but with his health casting a shadow over his future.

More than half of businesses are planning a basic pay increase in 2025 but the average hike is lower than last year, according to new research.

Households with a disabled member face significant financial burdens and are at very high risk of poverty, according to a study by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI).

There were emotional scenes at the Cheltenham Festival as Marine Nationale honoured the memory of the late Michael O'Sullivan by galloping to BetMGM Queen Mother Champion Chase glory.

The EU will impose counter tariffs on €26 billion ($28.33 billion) worth of US goods from next month in response to US tariffs on steel and aluminium, the European Commission said in a statement.

New figures from the CSO show that the number of planning permissions granted for apartments fell by almost 39% last year when compared to 2023.

Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes has failed in his appeal against a district court conviction for dangerous driving.

The United Nations has warned that supplies of aid are at risk of running out in Gaza as Israel blocks deliveries to put pressure on Hamas.

US President Donald Trump has said he does not want "to do anything to hurt Ireland" but added that the trade relationship between the countries should be focused on "fairness".

A coalition of national church reform groups has used the 12th anniversary of Pope Francis' election to stress the urgent need for reform initiated by the current pontiff and confirmed by the World Synod.

Syria's new authorities announced they are forming a National Security Council, to be chaired by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa.