Polling stations opened at 7am this morning and will remain open until 10pm tonight.

The increase was highlighted in recent figures from the Central Statistics Office.

A panelist on RTÉ's Prime Time programme said the €23m spent by the government on the referenda could've been spent on providing a respite centre for County Monaghan.

Deputy Carthy says the reality in his constituency is that only 65% of the recommended staff are in place and where there were no CAMHS consultants available to teams for long periods.

The HSE confirmed to Northern Sound "The submission for capital funding to support the development and delivery of a children's respite centre in Co. Monaghan was approved."

Media Minister Catherine Martin, TD, confirmed Terence O'Rourke's appointment at 2:30pm today.  

The latest local figures have been described as "shocking."

The 16-year-old Colaiste Oiriall student will play 23 hours of traditional music in sessions today and tomorrow in honour of the 23 years of Ashling Murphy's life.