Leaving Cert results
The number of students securing top grades has soared as Leaving Certificate results for 2021 climbed to a record high.
This year’s stronger outcomes are set to lead to a further jump in CAO points for college courses and may fuel concern over grade inflation.
Results are overall 2.6 per cent ahead of 2020’s record-breaking results, new figures show. These, in turn, were 4.4. per cent ahead of the 2019 exams.
The scale of the increase is greater in top grades across higher-level subjects.
Conor O'Brien murder
A man is due to appear in court today in connection with the murder of a 19-year-old in Co Meath.
Conor O'Brien, who was not known to gardaí, was shot dead in the driveway of a house in Enfield last week.
Gardaí first arrested a man in his 50s on Tuesday in connection with a different offence. However, the following day he was re-arrested in connection with Mr O'Brien's murder.
Face masks in primary schools
Minister for Education Norma Foley has said that if any “mitigating measures” were required in schools regarding masks for primary pupils, pregnant teachers and C02 monitors, they would be implemented.
Ms Foley said that her department had followed public health advice on Covid-19 at all times and if that changed, they would accept and implement new guidelines.
The Minister said that she was awaiting a decision from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee about the wearing of masks by primary school children. Once that was received, if any changes were required, they would be implemented.
High Covid rates
Ireland’s rate of Covid-19 is the highest in the European Union, while deaths related to the disease have hit a five-month high.
Figures from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control show the Republic has a 14-day incidence rate of just over 500 cases per 100,000 people — ahead of Cyprus, with a rate of 496.
Covid-19 was linked to 52 deaths in August, the highest monthly total since April. Ten deaths were recorded last week, with an average age of 77 years, according to the HSE.
Pat Hume tributes
A book of condolence is to be opened in Derry for Pat Hume as tributes continue to pour in for the widow of late SDLP leader John.
Mrs Hume, a mother-of-five from Derry, died at home after a short illness on Thursday, surrounded by family.
The former teacher’s death comes just over a year after that of her Nobel Peace Prize-winning husband.
