Ireland to get morale-boosting French government visit as Brexit endgame talks build
AS Brexit talks enter their final days, France's EU affairs minister, Clément Beaune, is set to visit Ireland and tour the border areas. Read MoreMr Beaune is a trusted lieutenant of French President, Emmanuel Macron, and has taken a hardline stance as EU-UK Brexit talks have struggled to reach a compromise. “While Brexit trade talks are difficult, the specialised committee on the Northern Ireland protocol has been working very well since October. And while there may be some teething difficulties, no major problems are anticipated with Northern Ireland,” one informed Dublin source said. A major flashpoint in the final phase of Brexit trade talks is access for EU fishing vessels to what will become “UK waters” from January 1.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 09:56 UTC
Norwegian Air proposes restructuring, share sale in bid to survive
Norwegian Air proposed on Thursday a package of debt conversion, aircraft divestment and sale of new equity in a bid to overcome the coronavirus pandemic that has brought the company to the brink of collapse. As part of the plan, the Oslo-based carrier, which recently applied for bankruptcy protection in an Irish court, aims to raise up to 4bn Norwegian crowns (€375M) from the sale of new shares or hybrid instruments, it said. "The company asks for the continued support of its shareholders to prepare for future capital increases in parallel with the restructuring of its balance sheet," Norwegian said in a statement. Only six of the company's 140 aircraft are currently in use, while the remaining 134 are grounded due to the pandemic, including the company's entire fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners used for its suspended transatlantic flight programme. A hearing at the Irish High Court, during which Norwegian will seek bankruptcy protection - called "examinership" in Ireland - is scheduled for Monday.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 08:37 UTC
Shoppers warned to ‘think Brexit’ before buying from the UK
Consumers who buy from UK websites are protected by European consumer protection law. Shoppers planning to buy from British websites have been told to think twice due to the impact Brexit is set to have on consumer rights. The warning comes as there has been a rise in the numbers who say they will buy from UK websites. The watchdog said consumers who buy from UK websites are currently protected by European consumer protection law. This consumer right is set to remain in place for purchases made from UK websites for this month.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:36 UTC
Late Alexander Sorloth strike against Istanbul Basaksehir lifts Leipzig hopes
Substitute Alexander Sorloth scored in injury time for Leipzig to beat Istanbul Basaksehir 4-3 and boost their chances of advancing to the Champions League knockout rounds. Irfan Can Kahveci scored a hat-trick as Basaksehir twice came from behind to make it 3-3 with five minutes remaining, but Sorloth fired in the winner in the second minute of injury time. Leipzig are now tied with Manchester United and PSG at the top of their group on nine points with one game remaining. Ronaldo scored Juve's second after Federico Chiesa opened the scoring in the first half. Álvaro Morata completed the scoring in a game that saw Stéphanie Frappart became the first female referee to officiate a men's Champions League match.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:36 UTC
We know the real reason for rejecting Finucane inquiry
Katherine Finucane, with her brother John and mother Geraldine at the office of Finucane Toner in Belfast before speaking to the media. Pat Finucane's son John said the failure of the British Government to establish a public inquiry into his death was 'insulting'. Not that there is much evidence he has any interest in the damage his foolishness his actions are having on his country. David RyanCo. MeathSinn Féin comments could end up costing us millionsSinn Fein could benefit from a few economic lessons. Deal or no deal is irrelevant – port logjams are inevitableI have to take issue with your editorial of Wednesday 2nd December.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:36 UTC
Services sees biggest drop in six months, AIB survey shows
However, sentiment rose to its highest level since February on the back of positive Covid-19 vaccine news, according to the latest AIB Services PMI. The services sector - which spans industries from bars and hotels to banking - is the biggest contributor to the country's economy. This was the largest month-on-month decline in Irish service sector output since June. The service sector labour market continued to show signs of recovery in November. Nonetheless, just over one-in-five companies predict declines, most of these businesses are concentrated in the transport, tourism and leisure sector.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Family homes now main threat for contagion spread before Christmas
Photo: Colin Keegan/CollinsPeople’s private homes continue to be the main scene of Covid-19 outbreaks amid growing concern about Christmas gatherings and the risk of spreading the infection. The lowest incidence is in Leitrim, Westmeath, Wexford and Kerry. Nursing Homes Ireland has welcomed the publication of revised public health guidance for visits allowing for one per week to a resident by one person. “It remains an incredibly difficult time for residents in our nursing homes and their loved ones and nursing homes and their staff are cognisant of this. Nursing homes are making great efforts in particular this Christmas to make it a very happy and special one for nursing home residents,” Mr Daly added.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Savings made during Covid-19 crisis ‘will help fuel price rises in housing market’
The majority of prospective buyers have put away more for a deposit since the onset of Covid-19, a new survey suggests. Taoiseach Micheál Martin admitted the poential impact on the housing market would have to be assessed. “Covid has created a situation which will ultimately have an impact on housing,” Mr Martin told the Dáil. “There is no huge private sector out there at the moment in terms of house construction,” Mr Martin said. The Budget included a €3.3bn investment programme for both social and affordable housing, the largest ever investment in housing by the State, he said.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
People with intellectual disabilities suffering from stress due to pandemic
More than half of older people who have intellectual disabilities suffered stress and anxiety due to the Covid-19 pandemic although very few tested positive and they had no deaths, a major report reveals today. The report – from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing study for Trinity College Dublin – found two-thirds of 710 older adults over 40, who had an intellectual disability, were tested but only 11 tested positive. However, they had a high rate of pre-existing conditions which are linked to poorer outcomes for Covid-19. She pointed to concerns arising from how people have been living with the social restrictions due to Covid. “The results of this study show that people with intellectual disabilities who are older and with high levels of co-morbidities can be protected from getting Covid-19 by strict adherence to public health guidelines.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Tipperary faithful are confident hope and history rhymes
Not just for me and my family, but also for everyone involved in Gaelic football and the GAA in Tipperary," he said. Prior to 1935, Tipperary had won eight Munster football titles – with their victory over Cork last month delivering their first in 85 years and their 10th overall. That game also ranks as Tipperary’s last appearance in an All-Ireland football showcase. “We have huge potential and we have to use the confidence from winning that Munster final in the right way. On the streets, fans were warning pundits not to write off Tipperary’s chances of causing an upset and making their first All-Ireland football final in a century.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Explainer: Winter is coming, so where is the flu?
Where has all the winter flu gone? Read MoreRead MoreRead MoreWinter 2020The most recent report on influenza surveillance here confirmed that no cases of flu have been detected yet. Winter 2019The same surveillance covering the period up to late November last year found that incidence of flu was at a moderate level. Global reportThe WHO said various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented to reduce coronavirus transmission have likely played a role in reducing the spread of flu. It’s not all goodSome scientists predict a spike in flu cases next winter, a study warns.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Cup final fitness concerns will impact Dundalk's strategy for Molde
Dundalk coach Shane Keegan says the atmosphere in the camp has been ‘brilliant’ this week. Bigger and better sides have also suffered four defeats from four at this stage of the competition. "But I don't think we will be weakening our side." Giovagnoli will be picking the team as usual, and tends to leave the players guessing until the last minute. "I don't think it will have any bearing on anything.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 02:26 UTC
Lotto jackpot of nearly €11m sees Christmas wishes come true
The biggest Lotto jackpot of the year has been won after a lucky ticket holder scooped nearly €11m. National Lottery chiefs said that there was one winner of the jackpot. There was no winner of the €178,983,729 EuroMillions jackpot which rolls over to €200m on Friday. Another prize worth €38,435 was won on last night’s main EuroMillions draw in Co. Offaly after a player matched five numbers. This winning Quick Pick ticket was sold yesterday at the Circle K Service Station on Arden Road, Tullamore, Co Offaly.
Source:Irish Independent
December 03, 2020 00:00 UTC
Many tourism, hospitality sector businesses ‘teetering on brink’ of collapse
Many businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector are now “teetering on the brink” of collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic, officials from Fáilte Ireland told an Oireachtas committee. The tourism official warned the sector faced a sharp increase in the number of businesses closing from the start of next year. Those travel restrictions, coupled with the start of the year being a traditionally quiet period for the tourism sector, is likely to heap further pressure on businesses. “That is always the worst time of the year anyway until the season gets going after St Patrick’s Day,” Mr Kelly said. In some cases banks had been “supportive and flexible” with businesses in the tourism industry, Mr Kelly said.
Source:The Irish Times
December 02, 2020 22:06 UTC
Dessie Farrell reports 'no injury concerns' and talks up Cavan ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland semi-final
DESSIE FARRELL has declared a clean bill of Dublin health ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC semi-final against Cavan. Jonny Cooper had been flagged as the chief doubt after being forced off with another ankle injury during their Leinster final cakewalk win over Meath. But the Dublin manager has now intimated that he’ll have a full deck to choose from this weekend. “They showed great character, determination, and they’re coming to an All-Ireland semi-final on the crest of a wave. “Ourselves and many other teams and management teams around the country had made representations to the authorities on that one.
Source:Irish Independent
December 02, 2020 21:56 UTC