Green crossroads: EPA sounds alarm on Ireland's environmental future

Green crossroads: EPA sounds alarm on Ireland’s environmental future

According to The News Examiner, Ireland is facing a tough road ahead in its journey towards a greener future. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has sounded the alarm in its 2024 State of the Environment report, giving the country a “poor” overall rating. The EPA warns that Ireland is grappling with “the most complex and … Read more

Indian-origin nurse Somy Thomas wins NMBI board election 2024 in general nursing category

Indian-origin nurse Somy Thomas wins NMBI board election 2024 in general nursing category

Somy Thomas has been elected to the board of Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) following an election in the general nursing category. Somy, who originally hails from India, contested as a candidate of the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation. Reacting on her victory, Somy expressed her gratitude to everyone for their support during … Read more

Chickenpox jab added to baby vaccine schedule in Ireland

Chickenpox jab added to baby vaccine schedule in Ireland

In a move to boost child health, the HSE has announced that babies born from October 1, 2024, will receive the chickenpox vaccine as part of their routine immunizations. This new addition to the childhood vaccination program aims to protect infants from the potentially serious complications of chickenpox. Dr Chantal Migone from the HSE National … Read more

€9m phone lockdown: Teachers revolt against government's school phone ban

€9m phone lockdown: Teachers revolt against government’s school phone ban

The Irish government’s decision to spend €9 million on locking away students’ phones during school hours has sparked outrage among teachers. The funding, announced in the recent Budget, aims to create “smartphone-free” secondary schools across the country. According to The Journal, schools will have the option to buy magnetic pouches or electronic lockers to store … Read more

Ireland boosts global influence with record foreign aid budget

Ireland boosts global influence with record foreign aid budget

In a move to strengthen Ireland’s global presence, the government has announced a significant increase in foreign aid spending for 2025. Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin, revealed that the Irish Aid budget will rise to €810 million, marking a 4.5% increase from the previous year. This boost in funding will support various … Read more

Kids ride free: Public transport gets a family-friendly boost

Kids ride free: Public transport gets a family-friendly boost

In a move set to delight families across the country, the government has announced a significant expansion of free public transport access in Budget 2025. The new measures aim to make travel more affordable and accessible for both young children and seniors. According to The Journal, children aged five to eight will now enjoy free … Read more

Income tax cuts, energy credits, and more: Ireland’s Budget 2025 in 10 points

Income tax cuts, energy credits, and more: Ireland’s Budget 2025 in 10 points

Ireland’s Finance Minister Jack Chambers Tuesday unveiled a €10.5 billion budget for 2025, including a €2.2 billion cost of living package in a bid to support low and middle-income earners. Here are the key highlights of Chambers’ budget speech presented in Dáil Éireann: Income Tax — Chambers has raised the income tax standard rate threshold … Read more

Ireland unveils €10.5 bln budget for 2025 with focus on infrastructure, announces tax cuts

Ireland unveils €10.5 bln budget for 2025 with focus on infrastructure, announces tax cuts

Ireland’s Finance Minister Jack Chambers on Tuesday unveiled a €10.5 billion budget for 2025, including a €3 billion earmarked for infrastructure and €2.2 billion cost of living package in a bid to support low and middle income earners. The €3 billion for infrastructure spending “will help build on current progress, eliminating key infrastructural bottlenecks more … Read more

Irish peacekeepers safe amid Lebanon conflict

Irish peacekeepers safe amid Lebanon conflict

Irish troops serving as peacekeepers in Lebanon remain unharmed as tensions escalate in the region, according to a statement from the Defence Forces. The reassurance comes in the wake of Israel’s ground invasion launched on Monday night, which has sparked intense fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. The conflict has raised concerns about the safety … Read more

Bank of Ireland appoints Akshaya Bhargava as new chair and governor

Bank of Ireland appoints Akshaya Bhargava as new chair and governor

Bank of Ireland has announced the appointment of Akshaya Bhargava as its new chair and governor, effective January 1, 2025. The Indian born, UK based banker will succeed Patrick Kennedy in the role, following an international search process. Bhargava has been a member of the Bank of Ireland Group board since January 2024. His vast … Read more

House prices soar as second-hand market heats up

House prices soar as second-hand market heats up

House prices in Ireland have seen a significant jump, rising by 6.2% in the year leading up to September 2024, according to the latest Daft.ie House Price Report. The surge is even more pronounced when looking at the short-term trend, with prices climbing 3.1% in just the three months from June to September. The average … Read more

Budget 2025: Christmas comes early with €2 billion cost of living boost

Budget 2025: Christmas comes early with €2 billion cost of living boost

The Irish government is set to unwrap a hefty €2 billion cost of living package in the upcoming Budget 2025, according to sources close to the negotiations. This financial gift to the nation includes a series of once-off payments aimed at easing the burden on households before and after the festive season. Families can look … Read more

Cutting edge justice: Ireland sharpens knife crime laws

Cutting edge justice: Ireland sharpens knife crime laws

In a move to combat rising concerns over knife-related offenses, Ireland has officially increased penalties for selling and carrying knives starting today. Justice Minister Helen McEntee signed a commencement order that puts these stricter measures into effect immediately. Under the new law, maximum jail terms for several knife and offensive weapons offenses have been raised. … Read more