An Irishman is among five sailors who have been detained in Iran after their yacht is reported to have strayed into Iranian water

The Lisbon Treaty came into force today at the end of nearly eight years of controversy, debate and rebellion about the shape of the future European Union

Talks between senior government officials and trade union leaders on plans to reduce the public sector pay bill continued through the night and are still underway at government buildings this morning.

AA Roadwatch has warned of treacherous driving conditions this morning with icy road conditions reported in many areas including Kildare, Clare, Wexford, Wicklow, Roscommon and Galway.

Rugby:Jamie Heaslip will not face charges of gouging after allegations were made public by South Africa following their 15-10 defeat to Ireland at Croke Park last Saturday. The IRFU released a statement this evening confirming the player has no case

Golf:Tiger Woods has withdrawn from the Chevron World Challenge - his own event - after he was injured in a car crash last Friday. Graeme McDowell will take the world number one's place and becomes the second Irishman, alongside Pádraig

The US Senate began work on a sweeping healthcare overhaul today, with senators on both sides pouncing on the findings in a nonpartisan budget report on insurance premiums to bolster their arguments.

Soccer:Paul Doolin has resigned as Cork City manager after less than 12 months in the job.

Five Britons have been detained in Iran after their racing yacht may have inadvertently strayed into Iranian waters, British Foreign Secretary David Miliband said today.

An Bord Pleanala has no option but to refuse planning permission for a 52-acre infill in Dublin Bay, a planning hearing was told this afternoon.

The people of Northern Ireland were today asked for their views on any future bill of rights for the country.

Anglo Irish Bank is seeking summary judgment orders for more than €15 million against financier Niall McFadden over unpaid loans and related guarantees.

Severe flooding has abated in many areas throughout the State, but the authorities are still on high alert to monitor the potential effects of rainfall and tides in the coming days, according to the emergency body coordinating the situation.

The debate on pay rates in the public and private has been undermined by the "deliberate misrepresentation" of earnings data by several leading commentators including the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI), the State's largest trade union has claimed.

Beverages manufacturer C&C delivered a star performance today, gaining almost 9 per cent against a backdrop of falling European markets.

Rugby:Tony McGahan extended his contract with Munster to ensure the Australian remains as head coach of the Magners League champions until at least 2012.

Rugby:Connacht have completed the signing of New Zealander George Naoupu who will be available for the westerners Challenge Cup double-header against Worcester but will not arrive in time for Sunday's Magners League game away to Cardiff.

Two men were being questioned by gardaí tonight after a pipebomb and 30 stunguns disguised as mobile phones were found during a raid on a house.

A sack full of postcards was delivered to Government Buildings today calling on the Coalition not to cut overseas aid in the upcoming Budget.

A man charged with having sex with a girl aged under 17 has brought a High Court action to stop a separate investigation by the HSE into the allegations.