Cyberattack disruption continues
None of the HSE's IT systems are back online yet following a major cyberattack on the health service last week.
HSE chief operations officer Anne O'Connor said restoring the IT systems is a huge challenge and health services around the country will continue to experience disruptions as a result.
Minister for Justice Heather Humphreys has said she is “not aware” of personal data linked to the HSE cyberattack being published online.
The Cabinet met on Tuesday morning, with the hacking of HSE computer systems, dubbed the “most significant cybercrime attack on the Irish State”, top of the agenda.
The HSE's chief clinical officer, Dr Colm Henry, said contingency plans are in place for staff to be paid this week.
Cuckoo funds at Cabinet
The Cabinet also heard proposals today to block investment funds from buying large stocks of residential properties.
There is increasing pressure on the Government to take action amid reports of entire developments of family homes had been bought by so-called cuckoo funds, a practice which Opposition parties and housing campaigners say is squeezing families out of the housing market.
It comes as a UK-based fund is close to signing a deal for the purchase of 69 apartments in Dublin from the National Assets Management Agency (Nama).
The agreement has been reached in principle for the sale of the apartments at The Casino development in Malahide to SeaPoint Capital.
Vaccine latest
The Covid-19 vaccine registration portal will open for those aged 45 to 49 tomorrow.
People in this age group will be given the choice of using the AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, but under strict conditions.
Following advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac), the age limit for the two vaccines is being reduced from 50 to 40 years.
However, people aged under 50 who decline to accept AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson will be offered mRNA vaccines (Pfizer or Moderna) as supplies come available.
Dissident republican arrests
Gardaí have conducted a number of searches in Co Cavan as part of an operation targeting dissident republican activity.
Three people were arrested following the search of a number of properties. They are currently detained at Garda stations in Cavan under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
The operation is part of an ongoing intelligence-led policing strategy, with the aim of disrupting and prosecuting those involved in dissident republicanism.
Working from home
More than 95 per cent of working people in Ireland want to continue with some form of remote employment once the coronavirus pandemic ends, a new survey has found.
The study, carried out by NUI Galway, also found that employees prefer remote working more than managers and team leaders.
Debenhams protest
A bid by liquidators to have stock removed from the former Debenhams store in Limerick city failed on Monday night, after about 100 ex-staff and supporters staged a sit-down protest over their claim for redundancy.
Gardaí erected a ring of security steel fencing along streets and pavements approaching entrance points to the building. However, protesters then laid down on the road to stop trucks entering the site.
Ex-Debenhams staff have been picketing outside the building for the past 400 days demanding fair compensation.
