Rape was excluded from the new directive on combating violence against women, after EU states failed to agree on a definition of the term.

The funding provides higher education institutions with the flexibility to determine how best sustainability can be secured across their campuses, taking advantage of the strengths of individual campuses.

The Government ceased offering beds to all male International Protection Applicants on the 4th of December, citing a severe shortage of bed space.

MEP Maria Walsh says she like many others believe that while the proposal still has major flaws, it couldn't be rejected outright.