Ukraine's President says Russian forces have blocked a humanitarian convoy trying to reach Mariupol - and taken rescue workers captive.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the city is in desperate need of supplies after being under "constant bombardment".
More than 7 thousand people were evacuated from Mariupol on Tuesday, but about 100 thousand remain.
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine will have a negative impact on global economic activity and is making inflationary pressures even greater.
The Economic and Social Research Institute has reassessed downwards its forecast for growth in the economy this year to 6.2%.
It does however believe there will be a small surplus in the public finances for the first time in three years.
It anticipates that disposable incomes cold fall on average by between 2-3%
The ESRI is also forecasting a small surplus in the public finances of €1.1 billion this year compared to a previously forecast deficit of €4.8 billion.
The report notes that only 6% of Ireland's petroleum imports come from Russia but it accounts for 67% of our coal imports and 26% of fertilizers.
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It's has been announced today that Special Needs students in Cork are to receive a welcome boost - with a further 65 school places to become available from September.
The school places will be split between a new Special School in Rochestown and the expansion of existing Special School capacity.
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Ireland is set to enjoy a mini heatwave this week with temperatures set to reach 18 degrees in parts.
Met Eireann is forecasting dry and sunny weather to look forward to right around the country, with temperatures higher than in the Algarve today.
