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

1. #AUSTRALIA: The mother of the eight children found stabbed to death in Cairns has been arrested.

2. #WATER: The Seanad debated the Water Services Bill well into the wee hours of the morning.

3. #RESPONSE: Sony says it still plans to release The Interview…but in a different format.

4. #FAMILY COURT: A teenager in state care has to continue living in an “inappropriate residential unit” until funding is signed off on for her to move to private accommodation.

5. #ANNIVERSARY: Basil McAfee was found by his mother on this day last year after he was brutally murdered. Police have renewed their appeal for information.

6. #RAID: A young man is still being questioned after almost €700,000 worth of cannabis was seized in a house in Clare yesterday.

7. #WARNING:  There’s an increase every year in burglaries during the winter months – particularly around Christmas.

8. #NEW PILL: A drug which helps reduce the urge for people to drink alcohol will be available from the HSE from January.

9. #ROGUE: Christmas is a busy period for taxi drivers – meaning unlicensed drivers are more likely to be active as they can blend in with the crowd.