Inflation is set to ease over the course of the year and household finances will improve.
That's the prediction from the Central Bank in its latest quarterly economic bulletin.
Its forecasting inflation will ease back to around 5% and real household incomes will grow.
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The Irish Cancer Society is welcoming the abolition of the public inpatient charge.
The government approved the measure which will see the charge of €80 per day coming to an end in all public hospitals.
Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly said he intends to bring the legislation through the Houses of the Oireachtas as a priority in the coming weeks.
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It's been confirmed there'll be a referendum on gender equality this year.
The Government plans to publish proposed constitutional amendments in June, with a vote to be held in November.
It was recommended by the Citizens Assembly on Gender Equality two years ago and relates to articles 40 and 41 of the Constitution which refers to 'women in the home'.
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Motorists are being urged to be cautious on the roads this morning following freezing overnight temperatures.
Cork has seen some snowfall overnight, with further snow and sleet expected across the county this morning
