Lack of HAP properties available
There are no properties available to rent within the standard rate Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) for the first time ever, according to new figures released by the Simon Community.
Overall, there are just 35 properties available for people reliant on HAP, according to Simon's 'Locked Out of the Market' report.
HAP is a social welfare support for people who have long-term housing needs. It is operated by local authorities.
The Simon Community has described the payment as useless, given the current state of the rental market.
Speaking on Newstalk Radio, Simon Communities Head of Policy, Wayne Stanley, backed calls for an eviction ban.
"I think we're at a stage where that's an imperative," Mr Stanley said.
"In and of itself, it's not an answer to this crisis, but what it will create is breathing space.
Eligible students set to receive extra grant payment
All student grant-holders will get an extra student grant payment on December 16th.
Simon Harris, the Minister for Higher Education, has confirmed the date for the measure announced in Budget 2023.
For some students, this will mean almost €680 extra before the end of the year.
Over 160,000 students will also get a €1,000 fee reduction.
This is a once-off measure and will reduce the amount payable by free fees-eligible students to their institution from €3,000 to €2,000 in the academic year 2022/23.
Students who paid their 2022/23 student contribution in full will receive a refund from their college with each HEI to begin contacting students this week to seek the necessary account details to process a refund.
Mr Harris said: “If you have not paid your fee, it will be knocked off your bill and if you have, your college will be in touch to ensure you get your money back.
Crime proceeds of €2m to be reinvested in community safety
Minister for Justice Helen McEntee has today announced the allocation of grants totalling €2 million, from seized criminal proceeds, to successful applicants to the Community Safety Innovation Fund.
It is the first round of grants given out since Minister McEntee and Minister for Public Expenditure Michael McGrath established the Community Safety Innovation Fund – which reinvests the proceeds of crime seized by the Criminal Assets Bureau in local projects to "build stronger, safer communities".
Twenty-two community projects across the country are set to benefit from grants ranging from €5,000 to €150,000, which will support the delivery of innovative projects to improve community safety in their local areas.
The Community Safety Innovation Fund was established in April 2021 and €2 million was allocated to it under Budget 2022 - and this will increase to €3 million next year under Budget 2023.
Boy allegedly assaulted at GAA blitz in Co Tipperary
Gardaí in Tipperary are investigating an alleged assault on a child, that took place at an under-nine hurling blitz in Thurles.
It's understood a man grabbed the child by the throat during the competition, shortly after 1pm on Saturday.
In a statement, gardaí confirmed that they were making enquiries following the incident.
"Gardaí at Thurles were alerted shortly after 1pm on Saturday, 15th October 2022, following an incident of alleged assault at a children's sports event in Thurles.
"Enquires in to the matter are ongoing.
"As the incident involves young persons An Garda Síochána will not be commenting further at this time," the statement read.
On Newstalk Breakfast, former GAA president Sean Kelly MEP said that the GAA "needs to get a grip" on the problem of abuse through stiffer penalties, to show that it was not acceptable for adults to behave this way.
