Micheál Martin's future
Taoiseach Micheál Martin's position as leader of Fianna Fáil is secure “for now”, despite discontent among a small number of his own TDs.
A draft motion of no confidence is in circulation among some TDs, according to the Irish Examiner.
The news comes following Fianna Fáil's disastrous showing in the recent Dublin Bay South byelection.
Indoor hospitality
Cabinet Ministers will sign off on new plans later to reopen indoor dining for restaurants and pubs.
New legislation will allow fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from Covid to eat and drink indoors.
The reopening is expected between July 19th and 26th.
Children will be allowed to accompany vaccinated parents in restaurants as part of a “family bubble” under the new plan.
Padraig Cribben, chief executive of the Vintners' Association, said the proposals were “not ideal” but the hospitality sector would have to live with it “to get some sort of summer”.
Digital Covid Certificate
Proof of vaccination will be issued to around 1.9 million people from today ahead of the reopening of international travel on July 19th.
The EU Digital Covid Certificate can be used to travel at ease through ports and airports across the European Union.
They will be issued to those who are vaccinated, have recovered from Covid-19 or who have a negative PCR test within 72 hours of travel.
Vaccination status for health workers
Frontline health staff will have to indicate their Covid-19 vaccination status if it is requested by their employer under a new directive due shortly from the HSE.
This will come following a ruling from the Data Protection Commissioner that vaccination may be considered as a “necessary safety measure” in certain situations, including frontline health services.
The HSE will write to staff indicating that it may seek information about their vaccination status as part of a risk assessment for other staff and patients
Twelfth of July
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) has said it dealt with a “significant increase” in emergency calls to bonfire-related incidents this year.
More than 230 Eleventh Night bonfires were lit across Northern Ireland between Friday and Sunday nights.
The bonfires precede the Twelfth of July parades, the main date in the Protestant loyal order parading season.
Meanwhile, DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has condemned the burning of Irish tricolour flags on a number of bonfires in the North.
