Number of Ukrainian refugees in Ireland exceeds 10,000
Over 10,000 Ukrainian refugees, mostly women and children, have arrived in Ireland since the war began in the eastern European country.
At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, attended virtually from Washington by the Taoiseach after he tested positive for Covid-19 last week, the Government continued preparations for tens of thousands of Ukrainian refugees arriving into the country in the coming weeks.
Earlier, the Minister for Agriculture said that it was possible that 200,000 Ukrainians might arrive into the Republic of Ireland in the months to come, with the Government pledged to take in 2 per cent of all refugees who flee the war-torn country.
Staff shortages continue as Covid cases rise
Politicians “of all hues” must get the message out to the public that basic mitigation measures are needed to flatten the current wave of Covid-19, a doctor has urged, as 23,702 new cases were confirmed on Tuesday.
Business are still facing staff shortages due to the Omicron variant, which has led to some temporary closures.
The number of patients being treated in intensive care units (ICU) for the disease jumped on Tuesday, rising from 49 to 61 patients in 24 hours.
Amid the climbing hospital numbers, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO) called on Monday for emergency measures to be introduced to allow hospitals to cope with chronic overcrowding and surging case numbers.
Ireland and UK set to be named as co-hosts of Euro 2028
Republic of Ireland boss Stephen Kenny insists co-hosting the finals of Euro 2028 need not conflict with efforts to upgrade the nation’s football infrastructure.
A report on Monday suggested a joint UK and Ireland bid is set to be unopposed, handing the latter a second opportunity to stage games at a major tournament after ultimately being unable to do so during the delayed Euro 2020 finals as a result of Covid-19 restrictions.
The news comes amid a debate over Irish football’s infrastructure and finances, with sceptics questioning the impact a successful bid could have on funding.
Minister for State Jack Chambers confirmed the Government is supporting the joint bid.
