Cost of living measures
The Government is expected to unveil measures later today aimed at tackling the rising cost of living.
A doubling of the proposed energy credit to €227 is set to be a key measure, which is expected to be issued to households by the end of March.
Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath said the Government is aware of the need to intervene, however, they must be careful to do so in a way which helped and did not make the situation worse by driving up inflation.
Financial struggles
The number of people financially struggling since the onset of the pandemic has doubled according to a recent Red C poll.
The research, carried out on behalf of the Society of St Vincent de Paul (SVP) found 17 per cent of people have cut back on how much they spend on essentials due to rising energy costs.
The poll found the number of people who said they are financially struggling increased from 9 per cent in 2020 to 18 per cent in January 2021.
Burglary concerns
People in rural areas are being urged to become more proactive in reporting suspicious activity, given recent high-profile attacks on older people.
Gardaí are said to be concerned about organised burglary gangs targeting vulnerable pensioners in their homes.
A 72-year-old man was attacked during a break-in at his house in Celbridge, Co Kildare earlier this week, while a retired 73-year-old farmer is fighting for his life following a vicious burglary in his home three weeks ago.
Independent Kerry TD Michael Healy-Rae said there is an onus on everyone to help stop these crimes.
Garda recruitment
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has opened a new Garda recruitment campaign as she pledged to increase the number of gardaí on the streets.
The new campaign has begun as An Garda Síochána marks its centenary.
Budget 2022 provided for the recruitment of up to 800 officers and 400 staff and Ms McEntee has urged members of new Irish communities, women and people from minority groups to consider a career in the force.
Missing Sexton
Ireland captain Johnny Sexton has been ruled out of Saturday’s Guinness Six Nations clash with France due to a hamstring strain.
Head coach Andy Farrell was expected to name an unchanged starting XV for the visit to Paris before fly-half Sexton sustained the injury in training.
Munster’s Joey Carbery will take his place, with Jack Carty in reserve.
