Ireland is preparing to be plunged into sub-zero conditions by an Arctic air mass with some experts believeing colder weather than the 'beast from the east' Storm Emma 4 years ago.

Fórsa members can tune in to a free health insurance webinar next Tuesday, hosted by Cornmarket exclusively for the union. The online event will offer guidance on all aspects of health insurance and advise how you can save money on your plan. Ireland’s leading health insurance guru Dermot Goode will also be on hand to offer advice and answer your questions. Registration for the event is free and can be accessed HERE.

The Irish Congress of Trade Unions has welcomed the new laws governing the practice of tipping hospitality workers that came into force recently.

Sub-zero temperatures and low wind will combine this week to put the electricity system under pressure, with Eigrid expecting th emargin between supply and demand to be "tight over the coming days."

Germany faces a record series of terrorism trials after police arrested 25 people yesterday in connection with an alleged attempted coup.

Ireland is among a number of countries where penicillin is in short supply – and the worry is that as more doctors err on the side of caution by prescribing antibiotics, and with close contacts of a confirmed case of strep A also being administered antibiotics, there is a danger that the most effective medicine for the sickest patients will run out.

ZEN

Today is the 56th birthday of the incredible Sinead O'Connor. Here she is with the Chieftans. Have a good day folks!