Braced for Barra
by Mehak Dugal

Fórsa has said Dail staff are being overworked in Leinster House. Derek Mullen is also quoted in the piece, describing why Oireachtas authorities are being accused of being in breach of the European Working Time Directive during Covid. 

The Cabinet will meet at Dublin Castle later this morning where it is expected ministers will review the impact Covid-19 is having on hospitals and the economy. However, it is not expected they will finalise new financial supports for the entertainment sectors which have been worst affected by the latest restrictions.

The Pandemic Unemployment Payment is reopening today for people who lose their jobs as a result of the latest restrictions imposed by the government. Five rates ranging from €150 to €350 per week will be paid depending on a person’s previous income.

 

Meanwhile, Education Minister Norma Foley said schools are not required to facilitate online learning today as it’s a “single-day event” and came about with short notice.

In housing, first-time buyers paid an average deposit of almost €52,100 in the first half of 2021, a new report finds. Nearly 42% of first-time buyers used gifts as part of their deposits during the first half of the year, the latest Banking and Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI) housing market monitor shows.

 

And abroad, the United States has announced a diplomatic boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing on human rights grounds. 

Zen


Carl Douglas started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Kung Fu Fighting' on this day in 1974. The song was recorded in 10 minutes, had started out as a B-side and went on to sell over 10 million. Enjoy!

 

 

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