Confusion over reopening plans
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin has said she is “confident” the confusion surrounding the reopening of nightclubs and live music venues will be resolved within the next 24 hours.
Government officials are meeting with representatives of the hospitality sector on to discuss anomalies that have arisen ahead of a further relaxation of restrictions from Friday including the reopening of nightclubs.
On Tuesday, the Cabinet gave the green light to allow the reopening of sectors that had remained closed until now, including nightclubs and live entertainment.
Proof of immunity from Covid-19 will have to be shown for indoor hospitality and events.
However, the decision gave rise to several inconsistencies between sectors. For example, dancing will be allowed in nightclubs but pubs and restaurants will be confined to table service with patrons not allowed to stand or sit at the bar.
Rising Covid-19 cases
A further 2,148 Covid-19 cases have been confirmed in the State today.
There are 464 coronavirus patients in hospital, with 86 in intensive care units.
Chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan said: “Disease incidence is high and increasing across the country and across all age groups. However, vaccination has helped us prevent many serious illnesses and deaths.
“Covid-19 is one of the most contagious viruses we have ever experienced. We have achieved extensive suppression of this disease in the past, our collective commitment to the basic measures now need to be reviewed and enhanced.”
Children stage mica protest
More than 50 children living in homes affected by mica who are “scared for their lives” have staged a protest outside the Dáil.
Dozens of children, some of whom left their homes at 5am for the journey to Dublin, stood at the gates of Leinster House holding placards that read “Please don’t leave me homeless” and “I did nothing wrong.”
They delivered letters to Minister for Education Norma Foley and Minister for Children Roderic O’Gorman seeking help from the Government for their homes, which are crumbling due to the defective building blocks.
Paul Quinn murder
New information has come to light in the investigation into the murder of Paul Quinn.
The 21-year-old, from Cullyhanna, was beaten to death by a gang of around a dozen men in a farm shed across the border near Castleblayney, Co Monaghan, on October 20th 2007.
His family blame members of the IRA, but Sinn Féin has long denied republican involvement.
Gardaí belive that there are still people with information in the local community who have yet to come forward.
