In a recent Nomad Passport Index report, Ireland has proudly clinched the second spot for the world’s most potent passports. Topping the list is Switzerland, with an impressive 109 points, enabling visa-free travel to 176 countries. Ireland follows closely, boasting 108.5 points and access to 175 nations without a visa. The Nomad Passport Index considers … Read more
Irish Nightclub Opening Hours Delayed: Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has raised concerns about the timely implementation of new laws extending nightclub operating hours until 6 am and pubs until 12.30 am. Initially expected before Christmas, the changes aim to align Ireland with European nightlife standards. While addressing the issue in Bucharest, Varadkar expressed uncertainty about the … Read more
Dublin: The Irish people eagerly await the outcome of yesterday’s referendum on family and care issues, with heavy polling in the final hours. Counting begins today at 9 am, starting with the family referendum and results expected by afternoon. The care referendum count will follow, with overall results anticipated by evening. Despite slow initial voting, … Read more
Dublin is grappling with a surge in road accidents and fatalities, making Ireland the EU’s front-runner in this concerning trend. While the EU experienced a 1% dip in road deaths last year, Ireland saw a stark 20% rise, claiming 184 lives. Men were disproportionately affected, with a 33% spike since pre-2019 pandemic levels. Authorities attribute … Read more
Wind energy powers 41% of Ireland’s electricity in February, up 4% from last year, says Wind Energy Ireland. This eco-friendly source generated 38% of total electricity in the first two months of 2024, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and cutting carbon emissions, notes CEO Noel Cunniffe. Last year’s record wind energy production helped control electricity … Read more
Today marks a historic vote in Ireland, as citizens decide on constitutional amendments related to family and women’s roles. The proposed Family Amendment aims to expand the definition of family beyond marriage, providing constitutional protection for those in other stable relationships. The Care Amendment seeks to redefine women’s roles in the family, emphasizing shared responsibilities … Read more
Irish President Michael D. Higgins, 82, has left the hospital after a seven-day stay for fatigue-related observation. Admitted to St James’s Hospital in Dublin last Thursday, tests revealed no major health issues. The president returned to office yesterday as a precautionary measure. The president’s office expressed gratitude for the hospital staff’s care. Higgins will attend … Read more
The Irish Nurses and Midwives Organization (INMO) are taking a stand against the Health Service Executive’s (HSE) suspension of new hires. Last year, the HSE halted recruitment indefinitely, citing budget constraints. Recently, a 13% surge in emergency department visits compared to 2023 has left 452 patients without hospital beds. INMO General Secretary Phil Ní Sheaghdha … Read more
In a twist for households, the Central Statistics Office’s latest survey reveals a sobering reality: while the median household disposable income saw a seemingly positive 5.8% rise to €55,149 last year, adjusting for inflation paints a different picture. The real figure, hovering just above €50,000, marks a troubling drop of almost 2% compared to the … Read more
In a significant development, Pope Francis has responded to the Archbishop of Dublin’s request by appointing Fr Donal Roche as the new Auxiliary Bishop. With an impressive 38-year tenure in Dublin, Fr Roche, currently overseeing Job’s Town Church, brings extensive pastoral experience to church leadership. The Archdiocese, comprising 197 parishes and over 1.5 million Catholics, … Read more
In a groundbreaking move, the National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA) has unveiled draft proposals for a major revamp of the primary school curriculum. The suggested changes advocate for an early introduction of sex education, consent, and diverse family structures, marking a significant departure from the current curriculum. Additionally, there is a shift towards … Read more
In a significant step toward legalizing assisted dying, the Joint Committee on Assisted Dying in Ireland is set to publish its report on March 20. Following days of deliberation, the committee proposed legislation allowing medically assisted dying for terminally ill patients with a life expectancy of six to 12 months, and up to 12 months … Read more
In a remarkable stride towards renewable energy goals, Ireland has successfully contributed 1 gigawatt (GW) of solar power to the National Grid within a brief two-year period. Aligned with the Climate Action Plan, Ireland aims to harness 8 GW from solar by 2030, requiring approximately 12,000 hectares of land for solar fields. With over 4.6 … Read more
In a promising start to 2024, the government has reported a significant boost in tax revenue, reaching 12 billion euros for the first two months. This marks a noteworthy 5.5% increase compared to the same period last year, driven by substantial rises in income tax, VAT, and excise duty. Income tax alone experienced a surge … Read more
In an unprecedented move, Northern Ireland’s junior doctors launched their first-ever 24-hour strike yesterday, suspending services from hospitals and GP surgeries at 8 am. The British Medical Association Northern Ireland reported an overwhelming 97.6% support among junior doctors for the strike, citing a staggering 30% salary cut over 16 years. Current wages for junior doctors … Read more