Mental Health Crisis: Ireland Faces Severe Bed Shortage
The adult ward at Glanmire’s St Stephen’s Hospital was entirely occupied.
BIG STORIES
Santyford Strikers Host Dublin Premier League Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament
The 2nd Dublin Premier League Tennis Ball Cricket Tournament, organized by the Santyford Strikers Cricket Club, will take place on Saturday, June 29th, at the Atsa Cricket Ground in Dublin. The event features 24 teams from across Ireland, competing for prestigious awards and cash prizes. Just Right Overseas Limited is the main sponsor, while Tilex … Read more
Real wages of Irish workers set to grow this year as inflation dips
Workers in Ireland saw their real wages grow in April for the first time in more than two years, according to the Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI). A dip in inflation, unemployment rate at 4 per cent, and European Central Bank’s decision to cut interest rate have aided this growth. According to ESRI, real … Read more
Newly qualified teachers in Ireland to receive €2,000 incentive for taking up full-time jobs
In a bid to address the recruitment and retention crisis, the Irish government is considering providing a €2,000 incentive payment to those newly qualified teachers who take up a full-time teaching role for the forthcoming school year. The amount, however, will be paid at the end of the academic year in 2025. According to a … Read more
Ireland opts into controversial EU Migration Pact, stricter immigration measures to be in place
The Dail (Irish Parliament) has voted to opt into the controversial EU Migration and Asylum Pact, paving the way for a standardised immigration control system, including stricter border security checks, across the 27 member states. The pact, narrowly passed by a thin margin of 79 votes to 72, will come into effect in two years. … Read more
Covid Cases Surge by 60% in Ireland Due to JN.1 Variant
Ireland has experienced a significant 60% increase in Covid-19 cases over the past week, according to the Health Protection Surveillance Center (HSPC). From June 16 to 22, there were 1,042 Covid patients in the country, marking an increase of 650 cases from the previous week. Tragically, three Covid-related deaths were also reported. Officials describe the … Read more
Ireland: Second Most Expensive Country in the EU for Goods and Services
Ireland has become the second most expensive country in the EU, with costs for goods and services soaring 42% above the EU average, according to a Eurostat report. Only Denmark is pricier, with a 43% higher cost of living. The gap between Ireland and the EU average has grown significantly since 2016, when prices were … Read more
Aer Lingus Pilots Strike Over Pay Dispute, 270 Flights Suspended
Aer Lingus pilots have initiated a strike demanding a 24% pay increase, leading to the suspension of 270 flights and affecting thousands of passengers. The strike began with a work-to-rule action, avoiding overtime, starting at midnight, and will be followed by an eight-hour strike on June 29. Negotiations between the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association … Read more
Minister Humphreys Announces Permanent Support for Low-Income Loan Scheme
Minister for Social Protection, Heather Humphreys, has confirmed that the “It Makes Sense” loan scheme, which offers low-interest loans to people receiving social welfare, will now be permanent. This scheme, managed by Credit Unions, provides affordable credit to low-income individuals, helping them avoid high-cost lenders. The Department of Social Protection will permanently cover the 25-cent … Read more
Fundraiser for repatriating remains of Indian nurse from Ireland sees outpouring of support
The bereaved family of an Indian nurse, who tragically passed away at Cork University Hospital following a caesarean section last week, has received an outpouring of support in Ireland. Stephy Scaria (nee Ouseph), who had been living in Abbeyfeale in County Limerick with her husband and son, died on June 21 after the operation. Originally … Read more
Mental health services in Ireland likely to be hit as Psychiatric nurses vote for industrial action
Mental health services in Ireland could be hit by strikes after the Psychiatric Nurses’ Association (PNA) voted overwhelmingly for industrial action over a recruitment embargo. PNA, which has a membership of between 6,500 and 7,000 people, said the industrial action is not about pay, but about patient care and cited that its nurses are in … Read more
Customers in Ireland can save €500 a year as AIB slashes key mortgage rate
In a move that could save Irish customers about €500 a year, AIB has announced a reduction of its four-year fixed mortgage rate for customers borrowing €250,000 or more by 0.25 per cent from July 3. The new rate is also available to AIB’s existing mortagage customers with a balance of at least €250,000. The … Read more
Who is Jack Chambers, Ireland’s new Finance Minister?
Fianna Fáil leader Jack Chambers has been appointed as Ireland’s new Finance Minister, after Michael McGrath was nominated to become the country’s next European commissioner. 33-year-old Chambers is the youngest Finance Minister of the country since Michael Collins, who held the position in 1919 at the age of 29. The Dublin West TD, who previously … Read more
Ireland to Raise Minimum Legal Age for Tobacco Sales to 21
The Irish government has approved new legislation to increase the minimum legal age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21. The Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024, announced by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, aims to reduce smoking rates, particularly among young people. Smoking rates in Ireland have plateaued at 18% for several years, … Read more
Minister McConalogue Announces New Support Schemes for Irish Fishing Fleet and Seafood Processors
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, has unveiled four new schemes to support the Irish fishing fleet and seafood processors. Co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF) 2021-2027, these schemes are part of the €258 million Seafood Development Programme and are now open for … Read more