Two referendum will be held on 8 March to amend the constitution on the themes of marriage as fundament of the family and on the role of women in the family; proposed texts would bring the basic principles - fully respected - closer to 'real life'

The number of homeless people fell slightly in December, according to Department of Housing, following record figures in November when 14.864 people were hosted in emergency accommodation, of whom 4.510 children

800.000 households, including homes, offices and shops, were left without electricity after the passage of storm Éowyn; according to ESB, the company that manages the electricity grid, some buildings could remain without electricity for a week

U2 frontman Bono was awarded the Medal of Freedom by Joe Biden; he paid tribute to his bandmates and fellow activists as he became the first Irish recipient of the highest US civilian honour since Mary Robinson, awarded by Barack Obama in 2009

A historic gate in Dublin's Phoenix Park, removed last September after being hit by a council lorry, will be reinstated this month, the Office of Public Works said