EU Commission legal action
The European Commission responded to the publication on Monday of the Northern Ireland Protocol Bill with an announcement that it intends to reopen legal action against the UK which has been on hold since September.
UK business leaders have urged Boris Johnson not to enter a “damaging trade war” with the EU after the UK government set out its plans to override post-Brexit arrangements governing Northern Ireland.
Commission vice president Maros Sefcovic hinted at further measures saying the unilateral action by the UK had undermined the trust needed for the effective operation of its post-Brexit trade deal with Brussels.
Seanad address
Five Ukrainian MPs addressed Seanad Éireann today as part of their visit to Ireland.
The politicians - Lesia Vasylenko (Holos Party); Ivanna Klympush (European Solidarity Party); Rostyslav Tistyk and Dmytro Natalukha (Servant of the People Party), and Alyona Shkrum MP (All Ukrainian Union 'Fatherland' Party) – addressed the Upper House on their experiences of war in Ukraine.
They spoke following an invitation to do so from Cathaoirleach Mark Daly at the request of Senator Garret Ahearn. They thank Ireland for their humanitarian aid and support.
Fuel prices
The cost of diesel and petrol has increase by 11 per cent in the past two weeks, according to figures from AA Roadwatch.
The sharp jump has sent the cost of fuel at the pumps to record levels.
The average cost around the country of a litre of petrol is now €2.13, while a litre of diesel is €2.05.
Navan ED
The HSE’s chief clinical officer Dr Colm Henry has denied that proposed changes to Navan hospital's emergency department are a downgrading.
The HSE is planning to move from a 24-hour emergency department at the hospital to a medical assessment unit, which is not a downgrade, Dr Henry told RTÉ radio’s Morning Ireland.
Navan hospital will continue to see acutely ill patients, he said. There will also be a rapid response vehicle for the community.
Tripadvisor spots
Tripadvisor has revealed the “best of the best” things to do in Ireland and around the world, with Irish attractions gaining European and global recognition.
The title of Top Experience in Ireland was awarded to Dark Dublin Guided Walking Tour. This experience also placed 15th in Europe.
The Dublin walking tour discovers the spooky side of Dublin with a small-group, focused on the city’s dark history. During the sightseeing stroll, people hear stories about murder and grave robbing, while the tour includes popular city landmarks such as Dublin Castle and St Patrick’s Cathedral.
