Taoiseach Micheál Martin travel to France for two-day EU summit on Ukraine invasion

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will travel to Versailles, France today (Thursday) for an Informal Meeting of the European Council. The 2-day summit of EU leaders will discuss Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU’s response to it, and the evolving humanitarian crisis. They will also consider the wider implications for Europe, including in the areas of defence … Read more

US man who got first pig heart transplant dies after two months

The first person to receive a heart transplant from a pig has died, two months after the groundbreaking experiment, the Maryland hospital that performed the surgery announced Wednesday. David Bennett, 57, died Tuesday at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Doctors didn’t give an exact cause of death, saying only that his condition had begun … Read more

Government announces temporary reduction in excise duty on fuels

The Minister for Finance, Paschal Donohoe TD, has today (Wednesday) announced a temporary reduction in the excise duties charged on petrol, diesel and marked gas oil. An incorporeal Cabinet meeting was held this morning and the Government gave approval to the proposal. Excise duty will reduce by 20 cent per litre of petrol and 15 … Read more

Minister Foley announces €32 million major expansion of the DEIS programme incorporating 310 new schools

Minister for Education Norma Foley today announced a major expansion of the DEIS – Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools programme that will see the programme extended to an additional 310 schools. For the first time since 2017, the DEIS programme is being significantly expanded and eligible schools will now gain access to targeted supports … Read more

Covid-19: 9,070 new cases and 829 patients in hospital, including 51 in ICU

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has today been notified of 1,715 PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19. In addition, on Tuesday 8 March, 7,355 people registered a positive antigen test through the HSE portal. This brings the combined total of Covid-19 reported today to 9,070. As of 8 am today, 829 COVID-19 patients are hospitalised, of whom … Read more

Cost of building two-bed apartment jumps 14% since 2020

A new report has found that the average cost of building a two-bed apartment has increased by 14% since before the pandemic started. The study by consultants Mitchell McDermott estimates the cost of construction of a mid-range two-bed apartment is now €219,000, up €26,876 since the pandemic began in early 2020. The company calculates that … Read more

Hospital mistake claims rose above 105,000 last year

New figures show that the number of claims against hospitals for clinical errors and other incidents has risen each year for the last five years. Last year, 105,424 incidents were reported, including almost 50,000 relating to clinical care. It compares with 100,930 incidents reported in the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2017, there … Read more

‘I think Putin is angry and frustrated right now’: US spy chiefs say Ukraine war may escalate

Leaders of US spy agencies said on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is unlikely to be deterred and may intensify the assault on Ukraine, despite military setbacks and economic hardships resulting from international sanctions. “Our analysts assess that Putin is unlikely to be deterred by such setbacks and instead may escalate,” Director of National … Read more

New €15m ‘business restart’ grant scheme for the live performance sector

Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin TD today announced a new restart grant scheme for venues, producers, and promoters that stage events in the arts and culture live performance sector. In total, €15m will be made available under the new Live Performance Restart Grant Scheme (LPRGS). Minister Martin said, “I … Read more

India to resume regular international flights from March 27

After two years, India is looking to resume international flights starting March 27, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday. Commercial international flights will resume operations after a two-year hiatus in strict compliance with the Union Health Ministry’s guidelines. The decision was taken after considering COVID-19 vaccination levels across the world in consultation with various … Read more

Covid-19: 11,380 new cases, with 803 people in hospital and 51 in ICU

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre has reported 4,423 new PCR-confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Ireland today. Additionally, 6,957 positive antigen tests were reported through the HSE portal. This gives a combined total of 11,380. As of 8 am, there are 803 people in the hospital who have a confirmed case of Covid-19, of whom 51 are in intensive care.

FSAI further recall notification for Coleslaws, Egg Mayonaise due to the Possible Presence of Listeria monocytogenes

Further to the FSAI Food Alert, specific batches of Butlers Coleslaw, Egg Mayonaise and Lite Coleslaw are being recalled.  This recall is taking place following a voluntary withdrawal of some shredded cabbages and carrots by Milnes Foods Ltd. due to the possible presence of Listeria monocytogenes in products made with the shredded cabbages and carrots.  Please see the … Read more

EURES Ireland host an Online European Job Day on 15th March 2022

The Department of Social Protection’s European Employment Services, EURES Ireland will host ‘Jobs in Ireland 2022’ On-line Recruitment Event on Tuesday, 15th March 2022 from 10am to 2pm. The online event will bring job opportunities with Irish employers in the hospitality, construction and transport sectors to jobseekers and job changers in Ireland and across EU/EEA countries, the … Read more