A new government campaign has been launched urging travelers to check their passport validity and use the online renewal system well ahead of their travel dates, following a year where 92% of passport applications were processed through the digital service. The “Don’t Be That Person” campaign, introduced by Tánaiste Micheál Martin, promotes Passport Online as … Read more
More than 200,000 cancer survivors in Ireland continue to face significant financial discrimination, with many being denied access to mortgages and loans even years after entering remission, prompting calls for immediate government action. A coalition of campaigners and politicians has branded the current treatment of cancer survivors by financial institutions as “distasteful” and “grotesque,” highlighting … Read more
A groundbreaking study of Ireland’s Sexual Assault Treatment Units (SATUs) reveals a dramatic increase in reports of sexual violence occurring abroad, with cases more than doubling from 55 in 2017 to 126 in 2023. The research, published in the International Journal of Legal Medicine, shows that 7% of all sexual assault cases reported to Irish … Read more
Ireland is maintaining its support for controversial EU legislation that would require social media companies to scan encrypted messages for child abuse material, despite ongoing resistance from several member states. The proposal, which has faced challenges since its introduction two-and-a-half years ago, failed to secure agreement at the recent EU Justice and Home Affairs Council. … Read more
Electric vehicle sales in Ireland have dropped dramatically in 2024, with industry leaders calling for immediate government action to restore consumer confidence despite what they describe as ideal market conditions for EV adoption. The Central Statistics Office reports a 25% decline in EV sales during the first 11 months of 2024, even as charging infrastructure … Read more
Irish teenagers are smoking and drinking less than their European counterparts, but the country ranks fourth highest in the EU for youth vaping, according to a comprehensive new OECD health report. The Health at a Glance study reveals Ireland has the EU’s lowest smoking rate among 15-year-olds at just 7%, alongside one of the lowest … Read more
The Health Service Executive (HSE) has revealed alarming statistics showing that healthcare workers face approximately 100 assaults each month in Irish hospitals, with unions suggesting the actual numbers may be significantly higher. Recent data from the HSE’s National Incident Management System (Nims) shows 1,210 reported assaults against hospital staff occurred through mid-December, including two incidents … Read more
Ireland is breaking with tradition this Christmas, trading typical winter temperatures for unusually mild weather, Met Éireann forecasts. Christmas Day will see temperatures climb to an unseasonable 11 to 13 degrees, with cloudy skies dominating the holiday weather. While most of the country will stay dry, western regions can expect some light rain and drizzle, … Read more
Thousands of non-EU healthcare workers in Ireland face a heartbreaking Christmas away from their children due to strict income requirements for family reunification, sparking calls for urgent reform. Around 2,000 healthcare assistants, vital to Ireland’s hospitals and nursing homes, cannot bring their children to live with them because their salaries fall below government thresholds. Workers … Read more
A stark warning has been issued by the Policing Authority about the future of An Garda Síochána, highlighting an urgent need to boost recruitment as the force faces a wave of retirements in the coming years. The comprehensive assessment reveals that current recruitment levels at the Garda College will barely offset ongoing resignations and retirements, … Read more
The Irish Coast Guard has teamed up with Water Safety Ireland and the RNLI to send an important message to holiday merrymakers: enjoy the water, but put safety first this Christmas season. As thousands prepare to take their traditional Christmas Day plunge or enjoy coastal walks, safety officials are reminding the public to take essential … Read more
A major taxi coalition has issued a stark warning about transport safety during the festive period, as Ireland faces a significant shortage of available taxis during one of the year’s busiest seasons. The Taxis for Ireland Coalition, which includes major industry players like the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland, Uber, and Bolt, has highlighted particular concerns … Read more
A festive evening turned tragic in the German city of Magdeburg when a car was driven into crowds at a Christmas market, killing two people and leaving dozens more injured. The incident, which occurred yesterday evening, has drawn swift condemnation from Irish and German leaders alike. According to The Journal, emergency services reported that among … Read more
Dublin commuters are bracing for significant travel disruptions as major rail works coincide with reduced bus services during the festive season. Starting December 27, train services between Grand Canal Dock and Connolly station will be suspended for track renewal works lasting until January 5. This closure is expected to impact thousands of commuters during one … Read more
Gardaí are urging the public to remain vigilant in response to “very high” levels of text message scams, also known as ‘smishing’. The Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) has reported a significant increase in fraudulent activity, with numerous banks and financial institutions raising concerns about this type of fraud. Instead of including links within … Read more