Stories from Ireland

The Department of Children will amend an Act to include first cousins in a child identification programme. This follows updated scientific advice from Forensic Science Ireland confirming that including cousins would enhance the identification process. The legislation aims to assist in identifying remains, such as those believed to be at the Intume site. The move aims to address existing gaps in the legislation regarding familial recognition. Approximately 30 DNA samples are being sent to Forensic Science Ireland to assist in identifying remains. Officials are evaluating if this increased volume of samples will improve identification capabilities.

First cousins of children believed to be buried at the former mother and baby institution site in Tuam are participating in an ongoing identification programme. Social affairs correspondent Alva Keneally reported on the identification efforts currently underway at the site. The process involves identifying remains believed to be located at the institution.

Europol and the Criminal Assets Bureau seized €30 million in cryptocurrency during a weekend operation.

A report by consultants Idykan states that approximately €289 million in potential lottery sales have been diverted to bookmakers due to lottery betting. This diversion reduces potential funding for good causes by around €81 million. The report was discussed on RTÉ Radio 1. The chairperson of the Irish Bookmakers Association reported that 81 million euro is being diverted from Irish good causes due to lottery betting. The move aims to address concerns regarding the practice of betting on lottery outcomes. The findings were presented by the National Lottery.

Students at South East Technological University in Waterford are being warned of a minor scabies outbreak on campus. Scott Walken, the Irish College of General Practitioners Lead for Infection Control, provided information on the skin condition. The outbreak is described as minor and the condition is treatable. The most common treatment involves applying permethrin lotion from below the ears down to the entire body and leaving it on overnight. The treatment must be repeated one week later, according to the report. The condition is transmitted through hand-to-hand contact rather than poor hygiene. The infection causes intense itching and discomfort, necessitating medical treatment to prevent spreading to others. Inadequate treatment may lead to long-term consequences.

Ireland is set to launch a new voluntary return program for Ukrainian refugees. Approximately 1.2 million Ukrainians have already returned from Europe to Ukraine, according to the report. The program aims to move away from current commercial arrangements. Approximately 16,000 people will have their state-supported accommodation withdrawn starting in August. The government aims to establish a formal program to assist Ukrainians in moving out of state-supported housing. Officials stated they aim to avoid a "cliff edge" for those currently in accommodation, noting that people are being asked to leave certain accommodations by the end of this year. The government intends to work with individuals to ensure supports are available before transitions occur. A sub-cabinet meeting of justice was held yesterday to discuss the process.

The Irish government is experiencing tensions within its coalition regarding proposed legislation for a register of Airbnb and other short-term properties. The laws aim to free more properties for the rental market. The legislation was scheduled to go before the cabinet today, according to reports from the Irish Independent and Mary Regan. This comes during the same week a hospital was originally due to be handed over to the state.

The Irish Minister for Social Protection is reviewing a proposal for a free transport scheme to support individuals fleeing domestic violence. The initiative stems from a government program commitment and legislation introduced by Social Democrat Senator Patricia Stevenson in the Seanad last October. The scheme would not be means-tested and would not have a set monetary limit, according to the report. Support would be based on the specific needs of the individuals involved. The program is scheduled to take effect on May 5, 2026.

The Irish government announced a policy shift to phase out tourist accommodation currently housing 16,000 people from Ukraine. Officials stated the ARP was intended as a temporary measure to facilitate putting properties back on the market. The source noted that over 50% of Ukrainians have already secured accommodation. Ireland is proposing to remove supports and accommodation for Ukrainians fleeing war. Minister Kolombrofi stated that those currently living in the housing will not face a cliff-edge situation. The policy specifically affects those who arrived in Ireland before March 2020. Confidential documents indicate that Ukrainian refugees in Ireland must prove they are self-sufficient to remain in the country and access a pathway to citizenship. The Department of Housing is currently assessing if modular homes used by 2,640 Ukrainians can be utilized by the department in the future.

Half of the rooms at the new National Children's Hospital have not been completed yet. The figures were released to the Irish Daily Mail. This report follows the week the hospital was originally due to be handed over to the state.