Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine almost four years ago, 119,043 Personal Public Service Numbers (PPSN) have been issued to Ukrainians. Since November 10th, the Government has significantly cut back the accommodation offered to people newly arriving to Ireland from Ukraine. This followed fears the State could run out of accommodation for Ukrainian people before the end of this month if arrival trends continued. The CSO data shows 42,741 arrivals from Ukraine were living in private accommodation as of November 3rd, with 18,301 hosts receiving the €600 accommodation recognition payment. The CSO used data from the Department of Social Protection, State training agency Solas and Pobal, which manages and supports various Government-funded programmes, to measure the number of Ukrainians still active in Ireland.

Instead we have Wales sitting around the table while Georgia, one place above them in the World Rugby rankings, are not. Italy's Ange Capuozzo of Italy and Edwill van der Merwe of South Africa during their Quilter Nations series match in Turin last Saturday. Admittedly, cricket was blessed this year with an absorbing final between Australia and South Africa at Lord’s. We also continue to await details of the venues and kick-off times, let alone a title sponsor, the points system or the finer print of the second-tier Nations Cup. Tom Harrison, the Six Nations chief executive, says the enterprise “has the power to redefine the future of rugby”.

John Ennis and Elma Beirne, who paid the deposit for their house in 2020, at the Ringfort estate in Rathmolyon, Co Meath. The statement noted the current net real estate value of the Ringfort Estate as €6.38 million. Meathamatic was incorporated in June 2019 to develop the estate, Mr Elias said, after he was approached by Mark Flynn and Peter Finn of MDS Construction. During the meeting, Mr Harper nominated Myles Kirby as liquidator, though this was defeated in favour of Colin Gaynor of Resolute Advisory, who was appointed by Mr Elias. Speaking after the meeting, Mr Harper said there are “serious questions to be answered”.

Photograph: metrolink.ieDublin’s planned new metro system will need about 8,000 workers to construct, an Oireachtas committee has been told. “There are no firms of the scale or expertise in Ireland to run those major contracts,” he told the Oireachtas committee on Transport on Wednesday. “They [the international companies] will bring a proportion of workers in and will be looking to supplement with local labour. MetroLink is a 19km mostly underground rail line for Dublin stretching from Swords to Ranelagh. Mr Sweeney said a comprehensive re-costing of the MetroLink project was under way and would be available early next year.

Paschal Donohoe became a government minister at a time of great national upheaval. Then minister for tourism Paschal Donohoe and former minister of state Michael Ring embrace the red, white and blue of the US on Dame Lane in 2014. It happened, in the way things do around Paschal Donohoe – without any fuss. The Taoiseach informed the House that the President, “acting on my advice”, accepted the resignation of Deputy Paschal Donohoe as a member of the Government. The “tetchy Taoiseach” is now joined “by a rather twitchy Tánaiste and a fleeing finance Minister”.

Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman shakes hands with US president Donald Trump during a dinner in the East Room at the White House. Photograph: Win McNamee/Getty ImagesDenis Staunton's guide to understanding world events - what’s happening, why it matters and how it affects youDonald Trump’s dismissive response on Tuesday to a question about the Saudi crown prince’s role in the murder of a journalist was shocking. ‘Things happen’Trump’s meeting in the Oval Office with Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday was a triumph for the Saudi crown prince, who was still a pariah in Washington only a few years ago. But the crown prince said that although Saudi Arabia wants to be part of the Abraham Accords, it will not happen until there is a clearer path towards Palestinian statehood. An intelligence report published by the Biden administration in 2021 said that the crown prince ordered the killing and that the murderers included members of his personal security detail.

The religious education curriculum in Northern Ireland was developed by the region's education department and the four main Christian churches. Photograph: Getty ImagesReligious education in Northern Ireland is in breach of human rights legislation and is unlawful, the UK Supreme Court has ruled. It followed a ruling by the High Court in Belfast in 2022 that religious education and Christian worship were not conveyed in an “objective, critical and pluralistic manner” and therefore breached the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR). The Northern Ireland Department of Education subsequently won an appeal against part of that judgment. The religious education curriculum in Northern Ireland was developed by the department and the four main Christian churches.

Rate €1,142 per night (minimum 5 nights). Rate €176 per night (minimum stay requirement). Its grounds slope to a private beach, perfect for bracing winter walks, while inside the restored apartments, wood-burning stoves and underfloor heating make for cosy evenings. Rates €737 per night (minimum stay requirement). Outside, frosted lawns and panoramic views provide the backdrop for winter walks or a quiet moment with a warm cup of cocoa.

Malgorzata Orlowska-Smith is head of the Polish Scouting Association of Ireland and runs the local Polish Scouts group in Balbriggan. Affordability first drew them to the north Dublin town, but they were also attracted by its diversity. Photograph: Enda O'DowdShopping and entertainment facilities on Mill Street in Balbriggan town, Co Dublin. A housing development on the outskirts of Balbriggan town, which has become a commuter town into Dublin city for many residents in recent years. Photograph: Enda O'DowdMurphy is confident, however, that many of the missteps made in Balbriggan’s initial rapid expansion will not be repeated.

Classically elegant and comfortably luxurious, The Heritage is a spacious and sophisticated contemporary hotel and spa, set in the heart of the countryside in the pretty village of Killenard in County Laois, just over an hour’s drive from Dublin. From the minute you check-in, the meticulous staff of The Heritage will take care of you and ensure you have a safe, relaxing and very enjoyable stay. Those who prefer to stay cosy can unwind in the award-winning The Heritage Spa with both fréamh and Elemis treatments, enjoy a film in the hotel’s private cinema, or sip a festive cocktail by the fire. The Heritage have some lovely breaks available from their ‘Winter Warmer’ package, to their ‘Bubbles and Bliss’ group package designed for getting the gang together or their stay and play golfing breaks. For your chance to win, simply fill in the form below.

A destination where hospitality meets a unique urban style, NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello is located right where it’s all happening in central Dublin on the Grand Canal at Portobello Harbour and features the new bar and restaurant, Clash. This festive season, the Leonardo Hotel Group which includes Leonardo Hotels and the vibrant NYX Hotels Dublin is making it even easier to give the perfect Christmas gift! For those seeking something bold and urban, NYX Hotels Dublin brings a vibrant edge to city breaks. With two standout locations including NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello overlooking Portobello Harbour and NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch in the heart of the city guests can immerse themselves in Dublin’s creative energy, where art, music, and nightlife come alive. And to make the season even brighter, we’re giving you the chance to win a night stay for two at NYX Hotel Dublin Portobello including breakfast and dinner at Clash Bar and Bites.

Thinking of a city break? Escape to The Croke Park, part of family-owned luxury hotel group The Doyle Collection. Whether you plan to explore the city’s cultural highlights, museums and theatres or do some pre-Christmas present buying in the capital’s shopping hub of Grafton street, The Croke Park is the perfect base to explore all Dublin has to offer. For 20 years, The Croke Park hotel has stood at the crossroads of Irish hospitality and sporting culture. From the roar of the iconic stadium on their doorstep to the warm smiles of guests they’ve welcomed – they’re celebrating the moments they’ve shared, and the many more to come.

Property price inflation has hovered between 7 and 8 per cent for most of the year, down from the double-digit price growth seen last year. Illustration: Paul ScottHouse price inflation rose at an annualised rate of 7.6 per cent in September as ongoing supply shortages continued to fuel demand. Property price inflation has hovered between 7 and 8 per cent for most of the year, down from the double-digit growth in prices seen last year. House price inflation outside the capital was 9.4 per cent in September, marginally up on the 9.3 per cent recorded in September 2024. The median (or middle value) price of a home purchased nationally in the 12 months to September was €380,000.

Ireland’s record win over Australian sets up Springboks clash perfectly Listen | 29:56“South Africa v Ireland; it’s always a massive game. “It’s a team that’s well coached and has good structure to the game. Ireland’s kicking game against Australia was effective, he noted. “Just watching the past few games that they’ve (Ireland) been playing, the kicking game they’ve been capitalising, getting into the air and (winning) those balls that creates the scraps. The kicking game has been a big emphasis in all teams across world rugby.

A plan by religious order, the Little Sisters of the Poor, to consolidate its work and resources has opened up an opportunity for nursing-home operators and investors in the wider healthcare sector. It includes an 85-bed registered nursing home, 26 independent-living apartments, a chapel, auditorium and former convent accommodation. A feasibility study prepared by CWPA Planning & Architecture outlines the options for reconfiguration and redevelopment to increase the number of rooms at the complex, subject to planning permission. The property is zoned Z15 (“Community and Social Infrastructure”) under the Dublin City Development Plan 2022–2028. We have served in Ireland now for 162 years and hope to be here for many more years”.