The 104 full- and part-time employees at B3 Cable Solutions in Longford were expecting to be told today that the company, which is in receivership, was to close with immediate effect. Receiver Alan Flanagan, however, indicated that he was talking to prospective buyers for the company.

Three Senators resign Fianna Fáil party whip

Three Fianna Fáil senators yesterday resigned the party whip ahead of today's vote on the Civil Partnership Bill. John Hanafin, Labhrás Ó Murchú and Jim Walsh are opposed to the legislation which allows same-sex couples to enter a marriage-like arrangement. In a statement the three said that the legislation is damaging to the special status accorded to marriage and the family.

Dispute over Dog Breeding Bill settled

The controversial Dog Breeding Bill is expected to be passed by the Dáil today after a 90-minute meeting between Taoiseach Brian Cowen and a number of Fianna Fáil TDs who were opposed to the legislation. Further amendments are expected before today's vote.

Dáil to close for the summer

The Dáil will adjourn for the summer holidays today and will not resume until the end of September. We will have the usual row about the  length of the holiday but at the end those who claim that the break is too long will heave a sigh of relief when their arguments are ignored.

No cuts in respite care

Protests opposed to any reduction in respite care for the intellectually disabled were held in Dublin, Galway and Mayo and the matter became an issue in the Dáil. About 1,000 people were on the streets in Galway and Dublin and 55 in Castlebar. Whether protests were necessary or not is unclear as Taoiseach  Brian Cowen told  the Dáil that there was never any intention that proposed cost savings in the health service should have any impact on frontline services.

Today's papers

Both the Irish Independent and the Irish Times lead with stories about Anglo Irish Bank. The former has "Bank probe widened to cover Anglo rescue plan" while the latter is more focused, with "FitzPatrick days from bankruptcy as Anglo blocks deal".

The Irish Examiner looks to the health service with its lead which reads "NO MORE CUTS".

The pension arrangements of disgraced DUP politician Iris Robinson are highlighted in the Irish News under "Iris pension pot put at £840,000".

The weather in Dublin

We are enjoying some hazy sunshine although rain is expected throughout the country before nightfall. Temperature 18C.

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