Caution urged but no restrictions on nursing home visits as flu cases surge

Astronomers say conditions could make for an especially striking show of the Geminid meteor shower this weekend, if weather permits. The meteors will be visible all over the world, though the Northern Hemisphere will get the best views. Alan Giltinan, Centre Manager at Blackrock Castle Observatory, briefed Rachel on this rare celestial event.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The funeral of Tadgh Farrell, the boy who was killed alongside his grand aunt, Mary Holt, in an arson attack on a house in Edenderry, took place today. Meanwhile, gardai have been carrying out searches of houses in Kildare and Offaly. For the latest, Rachel was joined by RTÉ Correspondent Laura Hogan and RTÉ Midlands Correspondent Sinead Hussey.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The United States has imposed sanctions on six ships said to be carrying Venezuelan oil a day after seizing a tanker off the country's coast. Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro accused the US government of initiating a "New era of criminal naval piracy in the Caribbean". For more on this Rachel spoke to Dr John Brown of Maynooth UniversitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The HSE is warning of high-strength MDMA in circulation this Christmas. MDMA is a synthetic drug also known as Ecstasy. Highly potent versions of the drug have been linked to several deaths. Rachel was joined by Professor Eamon Keenan, HSE National Clinical Lead for Addiction Services.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uisce Éireann is seeking permission to bring water from the River Shannon to Dublin and nearby counties. It will be the state’s largest-ever water scheme and is projected to cost €6 billion. The planning application is due to be launched next week. To learn more, Rachel was joined by RTÉ Environment Correspondent George LeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There have been further warnings today about the spread of flu. HSE figures show that last week there were 28 outbreaks in hospitals and 23 in nursing homes, with several nursing homes in the North advising families not to visit. To gauge the situation Rachel talked to Tadhg Daly, Chief Executive of Nursing Homes Ireland.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A plan to modernise the defence forces and to improve the country's defence capabilities has been unveiled by Minister Helen McEntee. For the latest our political reporter Sandra Hurley.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For the latest on this Professor of the US and International studies at UCD's Clinton Institute, Scott Lucas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The consumer price index shows that in November prices were 3.2 percent higher then a year ago. Our Economics and Public Affairs Editor, David Murphy has been looking at the numbers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For an update this lunchtime Colman O'Sullivan, our reporter in Dundrum in County DublinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.