TG4 is live streaming the Winter Solstice at Newgrange today as we mark the shortest day of the year.

Reduced parking and a minimum parking charge in all urban areas are some measures contained in the Government’s climate action targets. The climate action plan, which is to go to Cabinet today, sets out how the legally binding carbon budgets and agreed sectoral emissions ceilings will be achieved.

Three Ireland is to pay employees a minimum hourly rate of €13.85 an hour as recommended by the Living Wage Technical Group. The telco said it would introduce a minimum pay rate increase of 17.4 per cent for staff on the bottom rung, starting next year.

Women's Aid has said there has been an increase in calls to their helpline due to the cost-of-living crisis. 

Meanwhile, the Taliban have banned women from universities in Afghanistan, sparking international condemnation and despair among young people in the country. The higher education minister announced the regression on Tuesday, saying it would take immediate effect.

And a treasure trove of megalithic art imagery from a recently uncovered passage tomb is being released to mark the winter solstice. The Dowth Hall tomb is part of the Brú na Boinne complex, and is located a stone’s throw away from the more famous Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth tombs.

Finally, the HSE is inviting health care staff and the general public to attend their annual Christmas Concert which takes place today. The virtual event will include performances from HSE staff choirs from the four corners of Ireland, as well as special guests. Among those featuring this year is Letterkenny Hospital Choir, made up of 30 current and retired staff members, along with colleagues working in community services locally. You can watch the concert by registering here.