In a stunning revelation, a report has disclosed that 68 members of the Irish Defence Forces have been convicted of crimes or are before the courts charged with a range of offences. The 68 cases include drink driving, public order, drugs, physical assault, and sexual offences. The report was provided to Tanaiste and Minister of … Read more
The Irish government has picked Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as its preferred partner to build and run the system for its landmark auto-enrolment (AE) pension scheme, according to a report in The Irish Times. The report said the Department of Social Protection is expected to finalise the awarding of the 10-year contract, valued at up … Read more
PTSB customers can now earn 2.75 per cent Annual Equivalent Rate (AER) on one-year fixed-term savings with the option to receive interest up front. The bank stated that customers can receive their interest upfront as a lump sum within the first month of opening the account. It further said that customers also have the option … Read more
The adult ward at Glanmire’s St Stephen’s Hospital was entirely occupied.
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
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 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 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 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
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 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
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
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
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 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