Bill Linnane: 'Can you really call Connell a normal boy?'
I speak of course of Normal People, RTE's must-see adaptation of the Sally Rooney book that I kept meaning to read. And, of course, there was the sex, the confusing, bewildering sex - are they really doing it for the first time sober, we asked each other? A couple of years ago my daughter ended up being added to a WhatsApp group by mistake. She quietly left the WhatsApp group a little bit wiser. Maybe teenage boys will watch Normal People and realise that normal and right are not always the same thing.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Pressure to increase on renters as 17,000 landlords quit the market
Almost 17,000 landlords have left the private rental market in the past three years. Their exit means that hopes of pressure easing for renters facing scarcity of supply and high rents may be short-lived. The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is carrying out surveys of landlords who have de-listed their properties to try to find out why. "The real problem is that many of these properties are the properties where families have been issued vacant possession notices to quit. He told the Dail he expected a debt arrears problem and said it was in the interests of both renters and landlords to handle it correctly when it arises.
Source:The Herald
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Warning of drought and forest fires in sizzling 27C heat
Photo: Frank McGrathAn exceptionally dry spring and the current spell of sunny weather are posing a threat of forest fires and summer drought. The sizzling conditions will end on Wednesday, with an expected seven-degree drop, although there will still be spells of sunshine. The Department of Agriculture and the Forest Service issued a status red forest fire warning as the combination of high temperatures and tinder dry conditions pose a major risk. Concern over potential forest fires has been heightened by a forecast of blustery conditions across the south and west, which could fan flames. Thursday promises dry, sunny spells with temperatures still well under 20C, with Friday proving more unsettled with the prospect of light rain.
Source:The Herald
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Claims by Defence Forces personnel cost State €5m in damages and fees
There was a significant spike in the number of personal injury claims made by Defence Forces members in 2018 and 2019. The State Claims Agency manages all personal injuries claims taken against the Minister for Defence. External legal costs incurred by the agency arising from the defence of any claims are refunded by the Department of Defence. In 2019, plaintiff legal costs amounted to €862,408, while department legal fees amounted to €1,153,130. A spokesperson for the Department of Defence said the State Claims Agency's approach was to "settle cases expeditiously" where the State was considered liable.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Extra Covid-19 loans for micro firms relies on new government
Support for micro firms will be beefed up - but only after the next Government is formed. She said emergency State loans to micro firms - employing 10 or fewer staff - have topped €11m since the start of the Covid-19 crisis, nearly double the total loan activity by Microfinance Ireland during 2019. The bill proposes to permit Microfinance Ireland to raise funds through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland. "The Microfinance Ireland Loan Fund has been a vital support for small businesses. Agriculture Minister Michael Creed said farmers, fishers and small food firms could apply for Microfinance Ireland loans.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Patisserie fired chef for being pregnant, WRC rules
A pastry chef dismissed when she became pregnant has been awarded a €33,600 payout from her former employers. Jessica Padayachee had claimed that she was forced out of her "dream job" at a Co Kerry patisserie because of her pregnancy. The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) ruled that David Aranda Petit Delice, which operates outlets in Killarney and Cahersiveen, had discriminated against her on grounds of both gender and family status. However, the WRC ruled that Ms Padayachee's claim that she had also been discriminated against on race grounds was not well founded. Around March 24, at a time she realised she was pregnant, Ms Padayachee sought to get a signature to complete the process for her work permit.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Greens need to wake up and realise this is senior hurling
If you have coronavirus, whilst wearing a face mask reduces the risk you will infect others, it gives you a higher viral load. Photo: Reuters/Borja SuarezAs the talks concerning the formation of a new government continue, at glacial speed, the Greens want a break; to maybe or maybe not elect a new leader. Was it Seamus Brennan that once said “wake up lads, you’re playing senior hurling now”. If you have coronavirus, whilst wearing a face mask reduces the risk you will infect others, it gives you a higher viral load. It also needs to be said that the Democratic Party has done practically nothing since the last election except try to oust President Trump.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Italy's end to travel ban raises simmering regional tensions
Italy confirmed the date for allowing free movement between the regions, as it prepares to reopen its borders to international tourism next week. The decision, announced on Saturday by Health Minister Roberto Speranza, came after the government reviewed the latest regional data on infections, which were considered reassuring. The idea was attacked for being "discriminatory and unconstitutional" by Francesco Boccia, the minister for regional affairs. Italy's economic output is predicted to fall by more than 10pc this year, as workers and businesses struggle to restart the economy. If the spread of the virus continues to slow, bars and restaurants in Paris should fully reopen from June 22.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Ask the doctor: I get headaches after upper-body workouts
It is unusual, firstly, because it comes on the next day and, secondly, that only upper-body workouts tend to bring it on. This could possibly be an exercise headache, which is more likely to occur during hot weather or at high altitude. These headaches tend to last from five minutes up to 48 hours, and may be prevented by avoidance of excessive physical exertion. Your description could also be the most common cause of primary headache known as tension-type headache (TTH). I suggest you reduce the intensity and frequency of your upper-body workouts and keep a headache diary.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Trust Stamp to float for €29m in year's first IPO here
American identity technology firm Trust Stamp will list on Euronext Dublin later this year in what will be the Irish market's first flotation of 2020. Trust Stamp will be the first firm to float on Euronext Dublin since pharmaceuticals distributor Uniphar in July 2019. Davy Stockbrokers confirmed it is advising Trust Stamp on the listing. Trust Stamp will this week open an R&D base in Malta supported by a €1m government grant. Mastercard picked Trust Stamp for its 2018 accelerator programme and has acquired a stake that gives it observer status in the boardroom.
Source:Irish Independent
June 01, 2020 01:30 UTC
Financial expert reveals the five things if you want to make more money in the next financial year
Financial strategist Theo Marinis said organising things such as superannuation contributions and pre-pay expenses before the end of the month was key to putting yourself in the best financial position for next year. Financial experts have revealed five things Australians should check before June 30 to keep their household budgets healthy amidst the effects of COVID-19 lockdownsFIVE THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE JUNE 30 1. Can you claim working from home expenses in your tax return this financial year? Will making superannuation contributions deliver you tax benefits? Rex Whitford, from Wealth for Life Financial Planning, said making additional contributions to your superannuation account was also tax deductible.
Source:Daily Mail
June 01, 2020 01:18 UTC
Royal Mint launches new dinosaur themed 50p range using augmented reality technology
The Dinosauria Collection's Brilliant Uncirculated edition also use the latest colour printing techniques to vividly show the megalosaurus, iguanodon and hylaeosaurus. Experts at the Natural History Museum worked in conjunction with the Royal Mint to bring the prehistoric creatures to life. After receiving the coin, collectors can scan the packaging into the Royal Mint's Activate app to unearth facts, clips and images. "It is the first time that The Royal Mint has combined augmented reality with a coin series as we continue to innovate and enrich the experience of coin collecting. Fossils from the three led British anatomist Sir Richard Owen, the founder of the Natural History Museum, to coin the term dinosauria in a paper in 1842.
Source:Daily Mirror
June 01, 2020 01:17 UTC
Woolworths delivery driver's heroic act after mum is locked out of her home by her four-year-old son
A mother has hailed a Woolworths delivery driver a hero after he helped when her four-year-old son accidentally locked the family out of the house. But Clark raced outside beside them to watch the delivery driver. Jess Skogstad's son Clark accidentally locked them out of the house while they were collecting their groceries from a Woolworths delivery driver on Wednesday (pictured together)It wasn't until they headed back towards the house that she realised they were locked outside in the freezing cold. Mrs Skogstad darted back to the street and luckily found the Woolworth's delivery driver still packing up. Woolworths said they were happy to hear about their delivery driver's compassion.
Source:Daily Mail
June 01, 2020 01:07 UTC
Carrier of O’Donnell flame waits as search for Red Hugh continues
In 2011 a plaque was unveiled acknowledging that the city was the last resting place of the most famous of his ancestors Red Hugh O’Donnell. Red Hugh had no children, and the O’Donnell family did not prosper after his death. He is a descendent of Red Hugh’s half-brother Domhnall O’Donnell who was later killed by Red Hugh’s mother Iníon Dubh following a family dispute. However, he said it may be difficult to positively identify Red Hugh as eight skeletons had already been found. “We believe that [this] week could be week we find Red Hugh O’Donnell,” he added, suggesting his coffin could have identifying marks because of his status.
Source:The Irish Times
June 01, 2020 00:33 UTC
Ministers refuse to commit to closing 'blatant' loophole
Ministers have refused to commit to closing the 'blatant' loophole that allowed a gambling firm to dodge a £3.5million fine after an addict's suicide. It avoided punishment by closing down its subsidiary company. In a victory for the Daily Mail's gambling campaign, it bowed to pressure and said it would pay the fine in full. Charles Ritchie, of charity Gambling with Lives, said: 'Of course the Government should close this loophole in the law. 'The Bruney family... has been traumatised again by the failure of the Gambling Commission investigation to yield justice for Chris.'
Source:Daily Mail
June 01, 2020 00:31 UTC