Centre from left: Michael Healy-Rae TD, Mattie McGrath TD, John Hanafin (general secretary of the Rural Independent Group), Carol Nolan TD, Michael Collins TD and Danny Healy-Rae TD this morning
This morning.
Leinster House, Kildare Street, Dublin 2.
Masked and visor-wearing members of the Rural Independent Group of TDs supporting the call for priests to be deemed essential workers.
More as we get it.
‘sup?
Free May 1-4?
Lisa writes:
With May the 4th International Star Wars day fast approaching we thought you might be interested in hearing about how the May the 4th be with you Festival is moving online this year in the hope of engaging a domestic and international audience and encouraging them to return to Skellig Coast next year when travel is opened back up.
.@SarahAMcInerney asks Minister for Health @DonnellyStephen about vaccine hesitancy in the wake of today's NIAC advice #rtept pic.twitter.com/ZZ6Rsq0dTQ
— RTÉ Prime Time (@RTE_PrimeTime) April 27, 2021
Last night.
Prime Time on RTÉ One.
Clear?
Meanwhile…
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly says people shouldn't be fixated by the target of 82% offered a dose by the end of June*.
Is this an attempt to quell expectations?
*He said June 31st twice – which doesn't exist.
— Ben Finnegan (@_BenFinnegan) April 28, 2021
This morning.
Good times.
Coombe Women and Infants Hospital
This morning.
Deirdre Murphy is a professor of obstetrics at Trinity College Dublin and a consultant at the Coombe Women and Infants University Hospital.
Earlier this month, she called for the resignation of the hospital’s Master, Professor Michael O’Connell, after it was disclosed he was among staff members who had used leftover doses of the covid jab to vaccinate relatives.
Well.
That’ll learn her.
Via The Irish Times:
The chair of the Coombe board, Mary Donovan, wrote to Prof Murphy on April 14th, telling her that the circulation of her concerns to a significant number of people was “entirely inappropriate”.
She accused her of causing the hospital reputational damage and that “as an employee” there were “avenues available” for her to raise concerns internally and that “these must be followed”.
Prof Murphy replied on April 20th telling Ms Donovan that the reputational damage had been caused by those who chose to vaccinate their family members on the night in question.
“It would be helpful if the board focused on the source of the problem rather than on an individual who is attempting to salvage some integrity from this sorry episode.”
Husband of Coombe-vaccinations critic claims hospital trying to silence her (Irish Times)
Previously: Coombe And Get It
The Fine Gael Members of the Finance Committee forgetting to press mute
Think it is Deputy Neale Richmond talking about being "carried out here in a box " 🙃 " kicked out by elections" pic.twitter.com/kYYdfZ4Gnm
— Mick Caul 😷 (@caulmick) April 27, 2021
This evening.
Earlier…
Fine Gael TD for Dublin Bay South Eoghan Murphy
“I have resigned my seat today, not to leave politics entirely, but to pursue a career in the area of international co-operation, human rights and democracy.”
Former Fine Gael cabinet minister Eoghan Murphy (top), this morning.
Eoghan Murphy resigns seat as Dáil TD to follow career in international affairs (FineGael)
Meanwhile…
Could the candidates in the Dublin Bay South by-election, which must be held within six months, include Kate O’Connell for FG and Hazel Chu for the Green Party?
— Mícheál Lehane (@MichealLehane) April 27, 2021
Um.
This afternoon.
Leinster House, Dublin 2.
Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee TD, about to speak to reporters the General Scheme of the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill – a remaining task before she begins six months of maternity leave tomorrow.
Meanwhile…
Government accepts NIAC recommendation on vaccine access for pregnant women (RTÉ)
Above from left: Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, Taoiseach Micheál Martin, and Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin (right) with Dr Audrey Whitty (second right), Head of Collections at the National Museum of Ireland, holding ‘The Great Seal of Saorstát Eireann’
This afternoon.
Collins Barrack’s, Dublin 2.
The launch of the 2021 programme for the Decade of Centenaries including the announcement of capital funding for a permanent 20th Century History of Ireland gallery at the National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History at Collins Barracks.
Money well spent.
Fight!
Leon Farrell / Photocall Ireland
Meanwhile…
An Taoiseach @MichealMartinTD pic.twitter.com/EnjBqyhTQF
— Tourism-Culture-Arts-Gaeltacht-Sport-Media (@DeptCulturelRL) April 27, 2021
One of Ireland’s oldest, largest and best-known travel agents and tour operators, Joe Walsh Tours, has closed down after 60 years in business https://t.co/5FAFJj6Ucy via @rtenews
— RTÉ (@rte) April 27, 2021
This afternoon.
Any excuse.
Joe Walsh Tours closes down after 60 years in business (RTÉ)
Image via Brand New Retro
This afternoon.
Tír deli, 9 Upper Baggot Street, Dublin 2.
In fairness.
Thanks Alan Byrne
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly
Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly is bringing recommendations from the National Immunisation Advisory Commission to Cabinet this morning on AstraZeneca and the Johnson & Johnson vaccines. He said the recommendations are ‘broadly as reported’ | More: https://t.co/wSlPnfIUF7 pic.twitter.com/Bgr84nTX9r
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) April 27, 2021
This morning/afternoon.
As correctly speculated in today’s newspapers, the Government has accepted new recommendations which would see the Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca vaccines made available to people aged 50 and older, as well as other changes. Up to now the AstraZeneca vaccine was essentially limited to people over 60.
Via RTÉ:
The recommendations also mean that where a two dose regime is a difficulty, the J&J vaccine can be used in certain communities, the homeless and those with addiction issues.
The National Immunisation Advisory Committee has also recommended that an mRNA vaccine be offered to pregnant women between 14-36 weeks gestation, after a discussion with their obstetric specialist.
It has also recommended that the single-dose vaccine can be given to people under 50, if there is no option of another vaccine.
After, you, etc.
Govt accepts NIAC recommendations on J&J and AstraZeneca vaccines (RTÉ)
