The Government is set to expand its list of ‘safe countries’ by adding Brazil, Egypt, India, Malawi, and Morocco. This decision will be discussed and likely approved by the Cabinet later on Tuesday, following a proposal by Minister for Justice Helen McEntee. Starting Wednesday, international protection applications from these five countries will be processed more … 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
The Irish government is tightening its measures against airlines that allow passengers to enter the country without proper documentation. Justice Minister Helen McEntee announced that a new bill will increase fines from €3,000 to €5,000 per undocumented passenger. This initiative is part of broader efforts to control immigration and prevent illegal entry into Ireland. Last … Read more
In response to severe overcrowding in hospitals, the Irish government has announced the allocation of 3,352 new hospital beds. Health Minister Stephen Donnelly stated that this expansion is equivalent to adding six large hospitals, marking the largest public hospital bed increase in decades. The plan includes 2,997 new in-patient beds and 355 replacement beds in … Read more
Prime Minister Simon Harris has proposed legislation to curb refugee arrivals via Northern Ireland, citing concerns over the recent surge in numbers. With 80% of arrivals entering Ireland through this route, the government aims to stem the flow, which it estimates at less than 2,000 individuals. This move comes in response to Britain’s plan to … Read more
Last year’s budget’s promise to alleviate the impact of rising interest rates has fallen short, according to the Central Bank’s recent report. The scheme, costing €120 million annually, primarily benefits older homeowners with tracker mortgages, neglecting those facing steep interest rates exceeding 6%. The bank urges a revision, limiting assistance to those with rates above … 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 response to a significant reduction in personnel, the Irish government has decided to extend the service period for members of the Garda, Defense Force, and Prison Service. The cabinet decision, announced by Ministers Helen McEntee, Meehol Martin, and Pascal Donohoe, involves raising the pension age for Garda officers to 62 and for Defense personnel … Read more