EVERY MORNING, TheJournal.ie brings you the stories you need to know as you start your day.

1. #NOSEY: European Commission officials received a rap on the knuckles from Government after the revised water charges scheme was criticised, The Irish Times reports. Minister Noonan described the remarks as “entirely unhelpful”.

2. #BACK TO THE MOTHERSHIP: Ray D’Arcy’s shock departure to RTÉ could have landed him a salary of up to €500,000, according to the Irish Independent. The broadcaster will take over Derek Mooney’s mid-afternoon slot.

3. #BEEP BEEP: A range of new penalty point offences come into effect today, ranging from points for learner drivers found driving unaccompanied to increased points for breaking traffic lights.

4. #I’M SORRY: Irish Water boss John Tierney wrote to Taoiseach Enda Kenny in November to apologise for the ‘below-standard quality of customer service’, according to the Irish Independent.

5. #CONTROL The Government wants to ensure media mergers do not result in one individual or company holding a significant influence on the media, The Irish Times reports. The new draft guidelines will be published later today.

6. #MEXICO: The remains of one of the 43 missing students have been identified by forensic experts.

7. #SPLASHING OUT: Irish people are expected to spend as much as €600 each this Christmas, but which counties will be the biggest spenders?

8. #RIP: Former Independent TD Jackie Healy Rae is due to be laid to rest later today.

9. #WINTER IS HERE: A weather warning is in place for the North East, but the rest of the country won’t exactly be warm either…