Finance Minister Michael Noonan has published the Finance Bill, which gives effect to the measures announced in December's Budget.
Greek Prime Minister Lucas Papademos has said party leaders have failed to reach a full agreement on all measures demanded by the Troika.
On farm, this year's most significant difference compared to 12 months ago, and 2010 for that matter, is the amount of pasture cover farmers have on the milking block.
Mild weather, high grass growth rates and a positive outlook for the dairy industry all lead to an upbeat mood among dairy farmers.
Getting back into the swing of things after Christmas and New Year often takes a degree of motivation. However, there is nothing more motivating than a freshly born calf -- and for the spring-calving herds, this will soon be a reality.