Energy worries
The European Union has urge member states to immediately conserve gas due to the likelihood of shortages this winter.
The request, which is not yet mandatory, comes amid fears that Russia could suddenly cut supplies in retaliation for European support for Ukraine.
European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen said Russia is "blackmailing" Europe, adding that Russian president Vladimir Putin is "using energy as a weapon".
Winter health preparations
The Government is now preparing for “a very significant flu season” this autumn, according to the Minister for Health.
Stephen Donnelly said an upsurge in both flu and Covid-19 is expected, and officials are co-ordinating with the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) and the chief medical officer on plans.
Mr Donnelly's comments come as HSE chief executive Paul Reid said an additional dose of the Covid jab may be rolled out before winter in an attempt to reduce the impact of a subsequent wave of the virus.
Dunnes Stores pay claim
Dunnes Stores workers have lodged what they describe as a “life-changing” pay claim.
The workers’ union, Mandate, is seeking a 7.7 per cent pay increase, extra leave days, better discount and more full-time contracts.
The union said it believes this is a reasonable request as the rate of inflation is over nine per cent.
Tributes paid to DCU academic
Tributes have poured in for Dublin City University (DCU) academic and police reform commentator Dr Vicky Conway after her death was confirmed on Wednesday morning.
In a statement on Twitter, DCU's school of law said: “We are terribly sad to have to share the passing of our colleague Vicky Conway.
“She was a wonderful person, wise and kind, and we will miss her.”
Dr Conway was a member of the Commission on the Future of Policing and served twice as a member of the Policing Authority.
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee led tributes to Dr Conway, describing her voice in relation to policing and criminal justice as “one of conviction and challenge”.
