Hospitality restrictions
The National Public Health Emergency Team (Nphet) is meeting to consider their recommendations for the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, with changes likely to take effect from next week.
Among the measures being considered by public health officials is the easing of the 8pm hospitality and entertainment curfew.
The chief medical officer Dr Tony Holohan will convey the group's advice in a letter to the Minister for Health, Stephen Donnelly this evening.
Mr Donnelly is expected to bring the recommendations to Government on Friday, with a Cabinet Covid sub-committee meeting being held before a meeting of the full Cabinet.
Media research
Irish people have higher levels of interest in news compared to other countries, including the UK, research has found.
It also found that the disparity between Irish men and Irish women’s net interest in news is closing.
The Broadcasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) published research examining the role of gender and diversity in media consumption in Ireland and internationally.
Personal trainer sentence
A personal trainer has been given a six-month suspended sentence for attacking a dog-walker and his pet during a series of unprovoked attacks in Dublin.
Aidan Mulkearn (49), who is now considering the priesthood, pleaded guilty to animal cruelty and assault causing harm to the pet's owner at Winetavern Street, in Dublin city centre on the morning of September 13th, 2020.
He also admitted four other attacks on men over a three-week period.
Australian Open
Andy Murray and Emma Raducanu both exited the Australian Open today.
Murray was bitterly frustrated by his performance against qualifier Taro Daniel while a blister on her hand hampered Raducanu against Danka Kovinic. Heather Watson also lost, but Dan Evans was given a free passage through to round three when Arthur Rinderknech withdrew.
Boris Johnson pressure
Boris Johnson is battling claims that Tory critics are facing “intimidation” which could amount to blackmail as part of an effort to keep him in office.
The British prime minister insisted he had seen no evidence to support the incendiary claim made by William Wragg, the Tory chairman of the UK Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee.
Mr Wragg said he had received reports of conduct including “members of staff at 10 Downing Street, special advisers, government ministers and others encouraging the publication of stories in the press seeking to embarrass those who they suspect of lacking confidence in the Prime Minister”.
