HSE ransomware attack
The Health Service Executive has closed its IT systems after being targeted by a “significant ransomware attack”.
The HSE said it had temporarily shut down its systems as a “precaution”, but confirmed that Covid-19 vaccination appointments were not affected by the incident.
HSE chief executive Paul Reid said they are working with gardaí, Defence Forces and third party cybersecurity experts to respond to the cyberattack.
Hospitals around the country have confirmed they have been impacted by the cyberattack, including the Rotunda maternity hospital in Dublin which said it has been forced to cancel many routine appointments today.
Martin meets Johnson
The North and Brexit tensions are likely to dominate discussions between the Taoiseach and UK prime minister later today.
Micheál Martin has travelled to Britain to meet with Boris Johnson at Chequers.
DUP leadership
The first leadership vote in the history of the DUP will take place this afternoon.
The 36 members of the party’s electoral college, made up of its MPs and Northern Ireland Assembly members, will be able to cast their votes for either Jeffrey Donaldson and Edwin Poots between 12pm and 4pm in east Belfast.
It is anticipated that the winner, which will be announced by party chairman Maurice Morrow, will be confirmed at around 5pm.
Covid data
The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 continues to fall.
The latest figures show 99 patients are in hospital with the disease, 36 of whom are in intensive care.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland has recorded its lowest weekly Covid-19 death toll since the end of August.
