By Sarah Gill
07th Sep 2023
07th Sep 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Government-established threat agency
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly has confirmed that the Government has approved the establishment of an agency to prepare for new health threats including pandemics. He will now appoint an expert to design this agency, which will focus on infectious diseases, pandemic preparedness, and other emerging threats to public health. A proposal on the scope and functions of the agency is expected to be brought to Government within six months.
Tyrone vigil
Hundreds gather at a vigil for Conor Browne, a father from Strabane who died after being stabbed in Castlederg at the weekend. Mr Browne, 28, was attacked during a night out with friends in the Co Tyrone town on Saturday. He was taken to hospital with severe injuries but sadly passed away on Monday. Members of the Castlederg and Strabane communities gathered at the Diamond in Castlederg town square, where a lorry that belonged to Mr Browne was set up.
Gas and electricity
Electric Ireland has announced a 10% cut in domestic electricity prices and a 12% reduction in gas charges. The changes will take place from November 1 and will benefit the utility provider’s 1.1 million customers. The cuts to both unit rate and standing charge will lead to savings of €212.06 a year on the estimated average annual bill for electricity.
Child benefit
Research shows that the introduction of a means-tested extra child benefit payment could potentially take 40,000 children out of poverty. The report estimates that a means-tested second-tier of child benefit could reduce child poverty in Ireland by a quarter and the child poverty gap – how far below the poverty line those at-risk of-poverty are – by half at a cost of around €700 million, which would benefit over 100,000 households.
Status Yellow warning
Met Éireann has issued a Status Yellow high temperature warning for the entire country as the HSE urges people to protect their skin amid soaring temperatures in excess 27C. The alert comes into force at 8am on Thursday and will last until 8am on Saturday.
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