Energy crisis will last two years, Eamon Ryan warns
Environment Minister Eamon Ryan has warned that the energy crisis will last two years. The Green Party leader said he is confident that EU countries will reach agreement on implementing new measures in a bid to reduce soaring energy prices but warned it will not cushion the entire blow for households.
Homeless figures reach record high for second month running
There were 10,805 people living in emergency accommodation in August according to the latest figures from the Department of Housing. Of the total figure, 3,220 were children and 7,585 were adults, almost two thirds of whom were men (64 per cent).
During the last week of August, 1,483 families were noted as requiring emergency accommodation.
Irish inflation slows but energy prices up 38% over the year
Irish inflation has risen by 8.6 per cent in the year to September, but that is lower than the 9 per cent increase recorded up to August. The CSO estimates that Irish energy prices remained static within the month of September but were up 38 per cent over the year
EU energy windfall taxes could generate up to €2 billion for Ireland
Ireland could receive up to €2 billion if the EU introduces a windfall tax on energy companies, the Environment Minister has said. Eamon Ryan said he was confident EU countries would reach agreement on implementing new measures in a bid to reduce soaring energy prices.
EU energy ministers were due to meet in Brussels on Friday morning in an attempt to approve the implementation of emergency energy windfall levies. Speaking from Brussels, Mr Ryan said the text had been agreed and that the measures will be useful for Ireland.
Garda warns of surge in burglaries over winter months
Gardaí are warning of a surge in burglaries overt the winter months and say they will target enforcement and preventative activity to prevent potential burglars from exploiting the reduced hours of daylight.
According to the Garda, research indicates a surge of up to 20 per cent in this form of crime can occur during the winter months, with burglaries most likely to take place during the hours of 5pm and 9pm on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday. The force has launched the winter phase of its Operation Thor, specifically to combat an expected surge in burglaries.
It will focus on five main areas to reduce burglary incidents, including visible focused patrols targeting burglary hot-spots, intelligence gathering on known offenders, and high-visibility checkpoints.
US hits Russia with sanctions over ‘phony’ annexing of Ukrainian regions
The US has sanctioned more than 1,000 people and firms connected to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine after Vladimir Putin signed treaties absorbing occupied regions of Ukraine into Russia, in defiance of international law.
Those sanctioned included Russia’s Central Bank governor and families of Security Council members.
