Foreign aid spending; HSE over budget; and invasive skunks in Co Kildare

Ireland was one of only two European countries to increase spending on foreign aid last year, with €1.9 billion spent on official development assistance. The Government has defended public transport fares rises, coming in January, saying it will help fund new services. The HSE remains significantly over budget, despite efforts to tighten spending controls across the health service. An investigation has begun into the release of seven invasive skunks in Co Kildare, which were later captured.