Ireland is set to announce a ban on XL bully dogs after a growing number of incidents involving the controversial breed came to light. The ban will be implemented in two phases between October and February next year. Starting October, it will be illegal to breed, import, sell, or rehome the breed. It effectively means … Read more
A total of 4,856 persons have been approved to buy their homes under the First Home Scheme (FHS) since its launch in July two years ago. A quarterly report on FHS, however, pointed out that a little over 1,900 of these have been able to buy home using the scheme. According to the report, there … Read more
Mortgage rates fell to their lowest level in nine months following a drop in May, as per the latest figures from the Central Bank of Ireland. The average interest rate on a new mortgage in Ireland stood at 4.17 per cent in May — a decrease of 0.07 percentage points compared with April. However, Ireland … Read more
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (Ialpa) has voted to recommend accepting the Labour Court’s pay recommendation in their long-standing dispute with Aer Lingus. Following this decision, the pilots will suspend their work-to-rule action, which has been in effect since June 26, pending the outcome of a ballot. This move was announced by Ialpa, a … Read more
Taoiseach Simon Harris has appointed Nikki Bradley to Seanad Éireann, replacing Regina Doherty, who was elected to the European Parliament. Harris praised Bradley’s extensive advocacy work and commitment, highlighting her inspirational journey and her importance as a voice for people with disabilities. He expressed confidence in her ability to contribute significantly to the legislative process … Read more
A 17-year-old Asian elephant has tested positive for Elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus (EEHV), a deadly virus that has killed two young members of the small herd, Dublin Zoo has confirmed. The zoo said Asha’s age might give her a greater chance of survival as her body has had more time to develop antibodies to fight the … Read more
Rising climate temperatures are significantly increasing hospitalisations across Ireland for temperature-related health conditions, a new research by the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) has found. The report noted that climate change has direct and indirect impacts on population health. Data shows that between 2015 and 2019 emergency hospital admissions for temperature-affected diseases were 8.5 … Read more
Ireland has earmarked a bumper €8.3 billion package for the forthcoming Budget 2025, before the country goes to the general elections later this year or in 2025. Releasing the Summer Economic Statement, which outlines the parameters for the October 1 Budget, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said the package comprises additional public spending amounting to €6.9 … Read more
Simon Coveney has announced that he will not run in the next general election. In a statement, he expressed gratitude to Fine Gael members in his Cork South-Central constituency, saying, “Being elected for 26 years has been the privilege of my life. I will forever be grateful for the faith people in Cork South-Central have … Read more
Bringing in a major reform, the Irish parliament has passed a bill that will ensure that people with a strong work history receive enhanced benefits if they lose their employment. The Social Welfare (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024, passed by both Houses of the Oirechtas, will now be presented before the President for signing. The Bill … Read more
Met Éireann has issued three yellow rain warnings due to “persistent and heavy” rain expected in many areas. First Warning: Areas: Carlow, Kilkenny, Wexford, Tipperary, and Waterford Duration: Until 4pm today Second Warning: Areas: Kildare, Laois, Offaly, and Wicklow Duration: Until midnight on Wednesday Third Warning: Areas: Cavan, Monaghan, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Meath, … Read more
A new bill aimed at modernising and digitising healthcare information in Ireland will be presented to Cabinet today by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly. The Health Information Bill seeks to address the current system, which has been described as “incoherent and unco-ordinated,” and align it with European regulations. The Department of Health has stated that the … Read more
Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration, and Youth, Roderic O’ Gorman, has published the First 5 Annual Implementation Report 2023, showcasing notable achievements in improving services and supports for young children and their families. Key Highlights from 2023: Extended Parental Leave: Additional funding in Budget 2024 allows for two more weeks of Parent’s Leave and … Read more
Minister Heydon has announced €22.3 million in new research grants focusing on areas such as animal health, food safety, and the bioeconomy. This funding builds on previous investments, bringing the total to €46 million, the largest ever from a research call by his department. The grants will support 48 postgraduate students and 55 postdoctoral researchers … Read more
The Green Party Ireland on Monday named Roderic O’Gorman as its new leader, nearly three weeks after Eamon Ryan announced his resignation. The announcement came after O’Gorman, the Minister for Children and Integration, defeated Senator Pippa Hackett by a narrow margin. O’Gorman received 984 votes compared to 912 for Hackett. In his first remarks following … Read more