GOOD MORNING. HERE’s everything you need to know at Christmas Eve gets started.

China and Ireland

1. The Taoiseach has pushed back on statements by the head of the Irish Military Intelligence Service (IMIS) who claimed China is a hostile state towards Ireland. 

Weather

2. Today is set to be a dry and bright day for many, with sunny spells for most, though it may be cloudier at times near eastern and southern coasts.

Bondi heroes

3. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for a national bravery award to recognise civilians and first responders who confronted “the worst of evil” during an antisemitic terror attack that left 15 dead.

Airport passenger cap

4. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said he plans to bring a memo to Cabinet in January on proposed legislation to lift the Dublin Airport passenger cap. 

Pope’s Christmas message

5. Pope Leo XIV held the first Christmas mass of his pontificate last night, greeting thousands of faithful gathered in St Peter’s Square before the service.

Fox hunting

6. Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald has doubled down on her party’s pro-fox hunting position, despite some internal criticism. 

Creedon’s Christmas 

7. John Creedon reflects on 30 years of broadcasting live on Christmas Day, and on getting people to slow down and listen in an ever busier world.

Epstein Files

8. A million more documents potentially linked to the deceased former financier and sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein have been discovered, meaning that the release of all files connected to him may be delayed by a few weeks. 

Charity busking

9. Bono, Imelda May and Oscar winner Glen Hansard took part in a Christmas Eve charity busking session in Dublin city centre.