Irish laws on smacking children are set for a review.
Reports today suggest new rules are in the pipeline ahead of a ruling from the Council of Europe today.
Corporal punishment here is currently outlawed in certain circumstances, but parents can defend smacking their kids if they face legal action in court.
Today's decision will come as a result of a complaint by a UK based charity alleging that Ireland is in breach of the European Social Charter because of this loophole.
Here, the ISPCC has been calling for the government to take action on the issue and its Chief Executive Grainia Long hopes today's ruling is decisive:
