Mica protests
Thousands of people have gathered in Dublin demanding a 100 per cent redress scheme for housing defects caused by mica.
Families living in crumbling homes were joined by supporters as they travelled from around the country, particularly counties Donegal, Mayo, Sligo and Clare, to take part in the major protest.
Speaking in the Dáil, Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the situation as “appalling” and “devastating”, however, would not commit to the 100 per cent redress scheme being sought by homeowners.
Quarantine requirements
The Cabinet has approved new quarantine requirements for passengers arriving into the State from Britain.
Arrivals from Britain were previously required to quarantine at home for at least five days, at which time they could take a PCR test which, if negative, allowed them to end their quarantine period.
The Cabinet decision will now mean all passengers from Britain who are not fully vaccinated will be required to quarantine at home for 10 days, at which point they will be required to take a second PCR test.
The change comes amid growing concern regarding the spread of the Delta variant in Britain, where it is now the dominant strain.
Vaccine update
Over 300,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccines are due to be administered this week, ahead of the opening of the registration portal for people in their 30s.
People aged 30-39 are expected to be invited to register for their vaccine later this week or early next week, and will be offered mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/BioNTech or Moderna) in line with recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac).
Calls are also being made to speed up the rollout of second doses of the AstraZeneca jab in order to better protect against the Delta variant.
Back to college
Third-level students are set to return to campuses from September under a new plan approved by the Government.
Minister for Higher Education Simon Harris unveiled details of the plan for a safe and structured return to on-site activity for all students and staff for the coming academic year, which will see small lectures, tutorials, workshops, and classroom-based teaching resume.
Libraries, canteens, workspaces, research, sports facilities, bars, clubs and societies’ meetings will also be able to resume under the new plans.
