Saturday/Sunday
An Irish National Teachers' Organisation conference in Donegal heard that literacy standards in Ireland are lower than in other OECD countries and called on the Government to tackle the problem at primary school level.
Mr Tom French, president of the Workers' Party, told the party's ardfheis there was a stench of corruption in the Republic which he likened to Cuba before Fidel Castro. He said the party was now trying to re-establish the ideas of democracy and independence.
Prof Brian O Cuiv, a leading Celtic scholar, died at the age of 82. The author of many works on the Irish language and its history, he married Emer, daughter of former president Eamon de Valera, and was the father of Minister of State Mr Eamon O Cuiv.
Monday
The National Development Plan was launched at Dublin Castle by the Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, who hailed it as "an investment on a scale never seen before in our history". More than half of the allocated £40.6 billion is to be invested in infrastructure, including roads, public transport, housing, water and sewerage, with the largest single allocation (£6 billion) going towards social and affordable housing.
Both Senator George Mitchell and Gen John de Chastelain issued statements which indicated that a formula to overcome the decommissioning and devolution impasse was close at hand.
A pay dispute between the Garda staff associations and the Department of Justice has resulted in the force refusing to use the new £40 million PULSE computer system. An acronym for Police Using Leading Systems Effectively, the new system will make information on criminal and court records, firearms and stolen cars more readily accessible to gardai throughout the State.
Mary Cummins, Irish Times Women's Affairs Correspondent, died at her family home in Kerry. The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, led tributes praising her as "a loyal champion of women's rights". Mr Conor Brady, editor of The Irish Times, praised her "deepest generosity and humanity" and passion in fighting injustice and inequality.
Tuesday
The Ulster Unionist Party and Sinn Fein released near-simultaneous statements committing themselves to the full implementation of the Belfast Agreement. Mr David Trimble recognised the legitimate aspirations of nationalists to pursue a united Ireland and embraced the principles of inclusivity, equality and mutual respect.
Mr Gerry Adams spoke of working with, not against, unionists in the future. The SDLP and other main political parties in the North all issued statements endorsing the Belfast Agreement.
The Interdepartmental Committee on Immigration and Asylum, which is drawing up proposals for the dispersal of asylum-seekers outside Dublin, received a proposal by the Department of Defence to accommodate asylum-seekers in disused Army barracks around the State.
Two women prisoners escaped from the new £13 million Mountjoy Women's Prison, which opened less than two weeks ago. The women were completing sentences for petty offences and left the prison through a window.
Wednesday
The IRA issued a four-paragraph statement saying it was committed to peace and acknowledged that the Belfast Agreement would contribute to a lasting peace. It endorsed the leadership of Sinn Fein in the negotiations and agreed to nominate a representative to enter discussions with Gen John de Chastelain.
A Director of Public Prosecutions report to the Attorney General gave an explanation of the mistakes made in the prosecution of Ms Nora Wall, a former nun, and Mr Paul McCabe. Ms Wall was sentenced to life imprisonment and Mr McCabe to 12 years following their conviction for the rape of a 10-year-old girl in a children's home in Waterford. The case was successfully appealed and the DPP said he would not pursue a retrial.
The hopes of the Republic of Ireland's soccer team for a place in the European Championships were dashed after a nil-all away draw in a match not televised because of difficulties between Turkey's Star TV and RTE. A goal conceded to Turkey during a 1-1 draw at Lansdowne Road last Saturday allowed Turkey to qualify.
Thursday
After 10 weeks of painstaking negotiations between the pro-agreement parties in Northern Ireland, Senator George Mitchell returned to the United States after issuing a report on his review. He concluded that the basis now existed for devolution to occur and the formation of an executive to take place.
Before leaving Northern Ireland, the senator was thanked during a press conference in Castle Buildings by all the participants and parties involved. The Northern Secretary, Mr Peter Mandelson, speaking from London, expressed gratitude for Senator Mitchell's help in transforming the Northern Ireland situation from one of conflict and confrontation to one of dialogue and peace.
More than 90 primary schools were closed in the north west as principals and teachers took part in a day of action. The INTO threatened to step up industrial action in the spring unless the Government addresses the problems faced by teaching principals throughout the State.