Stories from Ireland

A pediatric emergency medicine consultant has called for the continued use of RSV vaccines. The consultant noted that the vaccines lead to a 50% reduction in intensive care unit attendances.

Microsoft is rolling out Copilot 365 to approximately 743,000 Accenture employees. This follows a pilot program conducted in 2023 and represents the largest enterprise deal for the Copilot service.

The Irish government is scheduled to spend almost one billion euros on the construction industry tomorrow morning. The delay comes as the tourism and letting sectors enter a busy period.

An Irish Infantry Battalion conducted a formal salute at Sarsefield Barracks before departing for Camp Shamrock in south Lebanon. The deployment will occur in three phases over the coming weeks.

A vehicle collision has occurred on a slip road of the M50 in Dublin. The incident is currently being reported as a collision in the Dublin area.

Boxer Katie Taylor stated that fighting at Croke Park is her preferred location for her final professional bout. She described the prospect of ending her career there as an absolute dream. Taylor noted that she has fought globally and wants to wrap up her career in Ireland.

Irish agriculture contractors and 1,500 farmers will access fuel cost relief through a new scheme. The government estimates savings of approximately 270 to 274 euros per 1,000 litres of green diesel. These payments are scheduled to be accessible from now until the end of July. The measure combines with previous excise cuts announced in a prior package. The Irish government announced a 20 cent reduction in green diesel prices for contractors and farmers. Some farmers and contractors expressed concern that potential price increases next week could offset the support package. The announcement comes as the silent season commences on farms.

Minister Martin Hayden announced a 100 million euro scheme aimed at supporting the agricultural sector. The government estimates approximately 120,000 farmers and 1,500 agriculture contractors will be able to access the funds. The announcement follows discussions regarding preventing inflationary knock-on effects in the construction sector. Minister Darro O'Brien announced a 500 million euro scheme to support approximately 120,000 farmers and 15,000 contractors facing high fuel prices. Financial support for contractors can be applied for through the state, with payments expected by the end of June. The scheme aims to assist with soaring fuel costs and improve food supply speed and affordability for supermarkets. The Irish government announced a €500 million package to support farmers, agricultural contractors, and the haulage sector facing rising fuel costs.

Teachtaí Dála (TDs) expressed concern regarding approximately 40 million euro in cash stored at the Gartha estate. The committee identified risks related to the high value of the cash and a lack of central oversight for cash held as evidence. The report also cited a lack of coordination with Irish policing and a failure to meet Gartha recruitment targets. The committee requested improvements within the next nine months.

The Irish government plans to begin winding down support for approximately 16,000 Ukrainians currently residing in state-sponsored accommodation across the country. The move involves reducing the financial supports paid to or offered to these individuals. The policy change targets those living in state-provided housing. The decision will be debated by officials. The move comes as a bank holiday weekend approaches.