Close contacts & testing
Changes to the testing & tracing requirements in primary schools and childcare facilities from Monday have been met with concern and confusion.
The new rules, which will mean asymptomatic children aged 12 and under will not have to get tested or restrict their movements if they are an in-school close contact, were described as "slightly illogical" by those who believe a more cautious approach should have been taken.
However, the HSE lead for testing and tracing, Niamh O'Beirne said the changes will mean fewer students will miss school time, while also easing pressure on the testing system.
UN Security Council
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will chair a meeting of the UN Security Council in New York later today.
Ireland has taken over the presidency of the council for September, with Mr Martin leading a discussion today on climate and security.
On Friday, he will address the UN General Assembly where he is to outline Ireland’s views on the Covid-19 pandemic and the ethical obligation to share vaccines with less developed countries.
Galway incident
Gardaí are investigating a violent brawl between a large group of people at a cemetery in Co Galway in which seven people were injured.
The incident occurred in Tuam at about 4pm on Wednesday. Gardaí were called to the scene where officer had to physically intervene.
A 16-year-old boy was arrested as he tried to flee in possession of a knife.
Student accommodation protest
A sleep-out is being held outside the Dáil as students call on the Government to act regarding the student accommodation crisis.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) and student representatives will sleep on Kildare Street overnight, kicking off their 'No Keys, No Degrees' campaign.
The USI describe the difficulty in sourcing student accommodation around the country as "worse than ever", with students and their families becoming increasingly angry as they search for a place to live for the academic year.
