Fianna Fáil has committed to doubling the Rent Tax Credit and expanding housing support schemes as a part of its housing plan if voted back to power in the upcoming general election. In an interview with The Journal, Tánaiste and Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin revealed the party’s intent to alleviate financial strain for those … Read more
In a significant move to improve support for children with complex needs, the government has announced the expansion of an enhanced in-school therapy pilot program to an additional 10 special schools across Ireland. Following the successful launch of the first phase of the pilot on August 9th, the Departments of Children, Education, and Health have … Read more
New data has unveiled a disturbing reality about financial abuse: more than 80% of cases involve perpetrators who are familiar to their victims. The findings shed light on a hidden form of exploitation that often occurs behind closed doors. Common examples of this abuse include seemingly minor acts that can have major consequences for vulnerable … Read more
According to The Irish Examiner, patients across Ireland are struggling to access vital medications as pharmacies face widespread shortages of essential drugs. The crisis affects treatments for multiple conditions, leaving many in a frustrating cycle between their doctors and pharmacies. Local pharmacists report significant shortages of medications used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), … Read more
The inflation rate in the country rose modestly by 0.7 per cent in the 12 months to October 2024, according to the latest data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). Energy prices saw a marked decline over the past year, providing some relief for consumers. Electricity prices fell by 16 per cent, while gas and … Read more
Taoiseach Simon Harris has announced his plan to call a general election on Friday, with polling day likely set for November 29. In an interview to RTE, the Irish Prime Minister confirmed his intention to dissolve the Dáil on Friday, clearing the way for the upcoming vote. He explained that he had waited until now … Read more
According to The Journal, temperatures in Ireland reached as high as 19.1 degrees Celsius on Wednesday, significantly above the average for November but not setting any new records. Met Éireann data shows the mean November temperatures so far are around 11°C, about 3°C higher than normal. Meteorologist Aoife Kealy attributed this to the jet stream … Read more
According to The Journal, a new project delivered in partnership between domestic abuse charity Women’s Aid and four Irish maternity hospitals provided support to 379 pregnant victims of domestic abuse over the past three-and-a-half years. The initiative was implemented at the Rotunda, National Maternity Hospital, Coombe Hospital, and Cork University Maternity Hospital. It aimed to … Read more
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris has announced plans to call a general election this week, setting the stage for a likely polling date at the end of November. This move follows speculation that intensified after a significant €10.5bn budget package was unveiled last month, hinting that the country was heading toward an election. Harris is … Read more
Ireland’s unemployment rate edged up to 4.2 per cent in October, a slight increase from September’s near-record low of 4.1 per cent, according to the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO). This uptick comes as the September unemployment rate was revised down from an initial estimate of 4.3%. Breaking down the figures by … Read more
Taoiseach Simon Harris on Wednesday extended congratulations to Donald Trump as he secured victory in the U.S. presidential election. Harris acknowledged the enduring relationship between Ireland and the United States, expressing a commitment to strengthening these historic bonds. In a formal statement, Taoiseach Harris said, “I congratulate President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the … Read more
The Irish government has launched a game-changing sports initiative that promises to revolutionize athletics across the country. Minister Thomas Byrne unveiled the Sports Action Plan 2024-2027 today, backed by a record-breaking €230 million budget – doubling the funding from 2018 levels two years ahead of schedule. The comprehensive plan introduces 47 new initiatives aimed at … Read more
Ireland’s Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has called for stronger powers to crack down on airlines carrying military cargo through Irish airports and airspace. Speaking at today’s Cabinet meeting, Ryan highlighted the urgent need to modernize Ireland’s outdated aviation laws from the 1970s and 80s. The Minister wants to give authorities more muscle to search aircraft, … Read more
The Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, Minister Patrick O’Donovan has announced an €80 million capital funding package for higher education institutions across Ireland. The funding is split into two equal portions: €40 million through the Higher Education Research Equipment Grant (HEREG) for purchasing world-leading research equipment €40 million via the … Read more
According to The Journal, a new survey reveals that 73% of Irish consumers believe banks are charging excessive fees for basic services such as account maintenance and ATM withdrawals. The study, conducted by Censuswide for money app Wise in September 2024, surveyed 2,000 adults in Ireland. Key findings include: 79% want simpler methods for international … Read more