HSE ransomware attack
The HSE has shut down all its IT systems to protect them from a “significant” ransomware attack, crippling diagnostic services, disrupting Covid-19 testing and forcing hospitals to cancel many appointments.
The Covid-19 vaccination programme is not disrupted as it is on a different system.
Minister of State for Communications Ossian Smyth said the cyberattack was led by an international criminal gang looking for money. He described it as “possibly the most significant cybercrime attack on the Irish State.”
Child sexual abuse
Former RTÉ producer Kieran Creaven has pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting and sexually exploiting children.
Creaven (58), of Adelaide Street, Dun Laoghaire, admitted to sexually exploiting three children at an address in Ireland. He also admitted to sexually assaulting two children and sexually exploiting another child in the Philippines.
Ploughing championships
The National Ploughing Association has confirmed the 2021 trade exhibition at the National Ploughing Championships has been cancelled.
The exhibition was due to take place between September 15th-18th in Ratheniska, Co Laois.
Vaccines for pregnant women
Expectant mothers will be contacted over the coming weeks about receiving a Covid vaccine.
The HSE will offer all women who are between 14 and 36 weeks pregnant an mRNA vaccine – Pfizer or Moderna.
Anti-social behaviour in Portobello
Portobello Plaza in south Dublin will be closed this weekend, with gardaí in place to prevent large crowds gathering.
Dublin City Council said it “regrets” the decision and urged people not to come to the area as a Garda operation would be in place.
The council last month launched a campaign urging people to stop gathering to drink in the Portobello area. Anti-social behaviour and littering has been an increasing problem, with many residents complaining to the council and Garda.
