Ireland’s pharmaceutical industry seems to have escaped a new 20 per cent US tariff on European Union goods, though future trade barriers remain a concern. US President Donald Trump has introduced a minimum 10 per cent tariff on all imports, with higher rates—such as a 20 per cent tax on EU goods—taking effect from April … Read more
The HSE has launched its spring Covid-19 booster vaccination programme, targeting those most at risk of severe illness. The free vaccines will be available through participating GPs and pharmacists, while children under 12 can receive their doses at community vaccination clinics. Eligible groups include people aged 80 and old, immunocompromised individuals aged six months and … Read more
Ireland is preparing to bask in one of the first significant warm spells of the year, with temperatures set to climb to 19C by Friday as settled conditions take hold across the country. Met Éireann forecasts that Friday will bring “very mild or warm and humid” weather nationwide, with temperatures ranging from 14C to 19C, … Read more
Ireland’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4 per cent in March, up from a record low of 3.9 per cent a month earlier, new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) indicated. February’s jobless rate had matched the previous record low seen between October 2000 and April 2001, during the early ‘Celtic Tiger’ boom. The … Read more
Insurance reform advocates have challenged the industry’s justification for raising premiums, as new data reveals personal injury claims remain significantly lower than pre-pandemic figures. According to the latest report from the Injuries Resolution Board (IRB), while personal injury claims increased marginally by 1% to 20,318 last year, this figure still represents a 35% reduction compared … Read more
Irish road hauliers have highlighted what they describe as an “epidemic” of drivers using mobile phones while behind the wheel, observable from their elevated position in truck cabs. The Irish Road Haulage Association (IRHA) has voiced serious concerns about deteriorating driving standards, with President Ger Hyland stating that driver behavior is at an “all-time low.” … Read more
Tánaiste Simon Harris has warned that Ireland’s pharmaceutical exports to the United States could be reduced by approximately 50% if a reciprocal tariff situation develops between the US and EU. Speaking ahead of today’s Cabinet meeting, Harris acknowledged that a deal to avoid tariffs now appears unlikely as President Donald Trump prepares to announce new … Read more
Met Éireann forecasts continued sunny spells throughout the week as high pressure remains “in charge” of Ireland’s weather, bringing settled conditions and temperatures up to 18 degrees. Today will see bright spells developing into widespread sunshine, with the highest temperatures expected in western parts of the country where the mercury could reach 18 degrees. Eastern … Read more
The Government has approved a six-month extension to the reduced 9% VAT rate on electricity and gas, continuing its cost of living support measures for households across the country. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe will seek formal Cabinet approval for the extension on Tuesday before bringing forward a financial resolution to the Dáil on Wednesday. The … Read more
Commuters traveling from Newbridge and Kildare to Dublin will finally see substantial fare reductions implemented at the end of April, following a delay in the planned expansion of the Dublin commuter zone. According to Social Democrats councillor Chris Prender, the Dublin commuter zone and Leap Card expansion will take effect on April 28, 2025, despite … Read more
The Health Information and Quality Authority (Hiqa) has endorsed new nursing home regulations coming into effect Monday, describing them as a “significant change” that will strengthen protections for residents. These updated regulations aim to establish improved standards for resident visitor access and governance responsibility, particularly during crisis situations like pandemics. The changes represent a substantial … Read more
A new legal requirement has come into effect today requiring all motorists in Ireland to provide their driver number when taking out or renewing motor insurance. Insurance providers and brokers are now legally prohibited from issuing motor policies unless the driver numbers of all named drivers are provided. The unique driver number, found under section … Read more
The Irish Government is intensifying efforts to protect the national economy as Donald Trump prepares to announce sweeping tariffs within the next 48 hours. Officials fear these measures could deliver the most significant economic blow to Ireland since the 2008 financial crisis. The expected tariffs are anticipated to apply universally to all European exports entering … Read more
Seismic monitoring equipment in Ireland has recorded the powerful earthquake that devastated parts of Myanmar and Thailand on Friday, demonstrating the global reach of major seismic events. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck approximately 17km northwest of Mandalay, Myanmar’s second-largest city, at around 12:50am local time (6:21am Irish time). This initial shock was followed by a … Read more
The Tánaiste, Simon Harris, has announced plans to implement mandatory age verification systems for social media platforms operating in Ireland, promising severe penalties for companies that fail to comply. “The idea that the online space can be like the wild west is just not acceptable any more,” Harris declared, signaling a significant shift in the … Read more