Government under pressure
The Government is coming under increasing pressure following the decision to delay the reopening of indoor dining beyond July 5th, and the introduction of 'corona passes' for people recovered from, or vaccinated against Covid-19.
Criticism from hospitality groups and opposition parties mounted after it emerged the National Public Health Emergency Team' s (Nphet) recommendation to delay the reopening did not include the updated advice from the National Immunisation Advisory Committee (Niac) regarding the use of AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) vaccines for younger people.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin defended the decision however, stating the advice to speed up the vaccine rollout would not have changed the Government's decision to pause the easing of restrictions.
Travel frustration
The aviation industry has blasted the Government for delaying the rollout of the EU's digital Covid certificate until July 19th, as the system comes into effect in other member states from today.
Ryanair called on Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to explain the decision to delay the reopening of non-essential international travel, with the airline's chief executive Eddie Wilson stating the Government is doing "untold damage" to the economy and tourism sector.
Speaking today, Tánasite Leo Varadkar said hundreds of thousands of people in the State will receive their digital Covid certs in the next three weeks.
Rent increase caps
Rent increases in rent pressure zones are to be capped in line with inflation.
Earlier today, Minister for Housing Darragh O'Brien confirmed the scheme will be reformed, with new laws prohibiting landlords from increasing annual rents beyond the rate of inflation.
Mr O'Brien said the changes will be “fairer” than the current system and will bring stability to the market.
Irish Open
Lucas Herbert is the leader on the opening day of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open in Mount Juliet having shot nine birdies in an 8-under par round, putting him two clear of Grant Forrest.
Shane Lowry is best of the Irish on 2-under par, following a round of 70, while out on course, Niall Kearney and Colm Moriarty are both 1-under. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy sits at 2-over.
