Fermoy attack
Locals in the Co Cork town of Fermoy have spoken of their shock and fear following an attack on a 16-year-old girl as she walked alone during the afternoon.
The teenage girl was approached by two men at 1.20pm on Monday in the town’s Chapel Square. A man in his 30s remains in Garda custody in Fermoy in connection with the incident on Tuesday.
Local businessman and Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy said the thoughts of the people of Fermoy were with the victim and two other youths who rushed to her aid, whom he described as “heroes”.
'Rip-off Ireland'
Siptu has called on the Government to “step up” and protect the rights of low-paid workers, ensuring they get pay rises in line with inflation.
Siptu deputy general secretary Gerry McCormack said "rip-off Ireland" had returned and the increase in the cost of products and services was a result of people “taking advantage”.
A Solidarity-People Before Profit motion is meanwhile set to come before the Dáil this week for the minimum wage to be increased to €15 per hour, with the Government under increasing pressure to tackle inflation and the cost-of-living crisis.
'Shopping around'
A junior Government minister has apologised after saying that people should “shop around” and look for alternatives rather than “complaining” about the high cost of living.
Seán Fleming, the junior finance minister, told RTÉ's Drivetime that his net income is around €1,000 a week but that his advice was applicable regardless of income.
In a statement following the interview, Mr Fleming said he “did not intend to imply people shouldn’t complain about the cost of living.”
Defence Forces gathering
Approximately 40 Defence Forces personnel are understood to have attended a social event at the headquarters of the Defence Forces' Covid Taskforce during a time when Covid-19 restrictions limited outdoor gatherings to 15 people.
Minister for Defence Simon Coveney has ordered an external review into the matter. His department confirmed the review will be conducted by a senior counsel.
The event took place at McKee Barracks in Dublin on June 25th, 2020, with Defence Forces personnel, including officers, in attendance, military sources said.
Sligo aggravated burglary
Gardaí in Sligo are renewing their appeal for information on an aggravated burglary, which has left a man in a critical condition in hospital.
Thomas Niland (73) is on life support in hospital following a serious assault in his home in Skreen, on the evening of January 18th.
Mr Niland suffered serious head and upper body injuries when three men broke into his home and stole a small sum of cash.
