Court appearance
A man aged in his 30s has appeared in court, charged in relation to the fatal assault of a man in his 60s in Dublin 24 on Sunday, June 20th.
Gardaí said the man who died was assaulted just before midnight.
The man charged in connection with the incident was arrested shortly after the body was found and is understood to be known to the deceased.
Domestic violence support
Women's Aid recorded a 'staggering' 43 per cent increase in domestic abuse victims reaching out last year, compared to 2019.
The charity's Annual Impact Report details the 29,717 contacts made with Women’s Aid frontline services including the 24-hour National Freephone Helpline and its Dublin-based Face-to-Face support services last year.
The organisation says that the reality is that thousands of women are being subjected to high levels of emotional, physical, sexual and economic abuse and the Covid-19 pandemic made the crisis level of domestic violence in Ireland more visible.
Delta variant concerns
Government Ministers are set to be briefed on the rise in Covid-19 Delta variant cases in the State after it emerged the strain now accounts for 20 per cent of infections.
There is growing 'disquiet' within Government and medical circles over the large increase in cases of the more transmissible variant, with the further easing of restrictions due to take place on July 5th now being called into question.
Despite the concerns, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar said he believes the resumption of indoor dining will go ahead as planned at the start of July, however a final decision will not be made until next Thursday.
Warning to young people
Young people have been urged to "remain careful" as case numbers continue to increase among younger cohorts.
The incidence among the 19-24 category remains higher than any other age category, while rates among older age groups continue to decline due to the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines.
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said this age group has responded "really well" in the past, but "we all just need to remain careful," he added.
Athlone outbreak
Anyone who attended social events along the banks of the River Shannon in Athlone on Friday, June 11th is being asked to go for Covid-19 testing after a cluster of outbreaks were identified in the area which may involve the Delta variant.
Director of Public Health HSE Midlands Dr Una Fallon said there were 14 primary cases associated with that time and place, raising concerns that the variant may spread if the chain of transmission is not broken.
If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can contact Women’s Aid (24-hour freephone helpline at 1800 341 900, email helpline@womensaid.ie) or Men’s Aid Ireland (confidential helpline at 01 554 3811, email hello@mensaid.ie) for support and information.
Safe Ireland also outlines a number of local services and helplines at Safe Ireland. In the case of an emergency, always dial 999/112.
