By Sarah Gill
06th Apr 2023
06th Apr 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
New Covid variant
The Covid-19 variant XBB.1.5 is the latest to have taken hold here since January, and has been found in a majority of patients testing positive for the virus who have developed severe acute respiratory infection. It has been described as “the most genetically rich and most transmissible”, but the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said that XBB.1.5 is not reported to be associated with increased severity.
Housing Department underspend
The Department of Housing underspent over €1 billion of its budget for housing between 2020 and 2022. Last year, the first full year of the Government’s Housing for All plan, over €471 million was unspent. The Department cite Covid-19 restrictions and inflation prompted by the invasion of Ukraine as the reasons, but this expenditure also included spending in the areas of water services, local government, planning, Met Éireann and administration.
Limerick City murder
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was fatally assaulted at a residential property in Limerick City on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination has been carried out and an incident room has been set up at Henry Street Garda station and a family liaison officer has been appointed. Anyone with information is being asked to contact Henry Street Garda station on 061-212 400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666 111 or any Garda station.
Maximum sentence for assaulting gardaí
The Department of Justice’s goals for 2023 include a new maximum sentence for assaulting gardaí as well as new powers for guards to implement antisocial behaviour orders. The plan states that work to increase the maximum sentence for assaulting a peace officer to 12 years will be continued.
Drug dealer pleads guilty in death of Michael K Williams
Brooklyn drug dealer Irvin Cartagena has pleaded guilty to providing The Wire actor Michael K Williams with fentanyl-laced heroin, which caused his death by overdose in September 2021. Authorities said he died hours after buying the heroin from Cartagena on a Brooklyn street in a deal that was recorded by a security camera. Sentencing was set by US District Judge Ronnie Abrams for 18 August, when Cartagena will face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison and the possibility of as many as 40 years.
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