Leaving Cert to go ahead in July
The Minister for Education has announced that the Leaving Cert will go ahead on Wednesday July 29th.
Speaking in the Dáil, Joe McHugh said the timetable and format will be released in the first week of June.
He said he would keep the situation under “close review” in the meantime.
Meanwhile, fees for the exams will not fall due until after they take place.
A further 28 COVID-19 patients have died in the Republic, taking the death toll from the virus to 794.
Meanwhile, 936 new cases have been confirmed taking the national total to 17,607.
It comes after three cases were de-notified because officials found they were unrelated to the virus.
Announcing the new cases, The Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan reminded the public that officials are carrying out an “ambitious programme of testing in nursing homes and community residential facilities.”
Easing of restrictions will be gradual
The Taoiseach has warned that any easing of COVID-19 restrictions will happen in a gradual manner.
Speaking in the Dáil this afternoon, Leo Varadkar said complacency is “our new enemy” in the battle to contain the outbreak.
It comes amid speculation that the ban on essential travel may be modified after May 5th, with people permitted to go further than the 2km radius.
Meanwhile, older people may be allowed to venture out for exercise.
Green Party sets out seven key targets for Government
The Green Party has warned that the climate change and biodiversity crises must be addressed with the same urgency as the COVID-19 outbreak if it is to join the next Government.
The party has this afternoon written to Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil with seven key targets for any negotiation on forming a Government.
Among the list is a call for 20% of all transport spending to be set aside for cycling and walking, with two-thirds of the rest earmarked for public transport.
Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said “where we go to now as a country really matters. We need the next government to be one that delivers real change.”
Man claims he spat at Garda after being pepper sprayed
A 39-year-old man has claimed he only spat at a Garda in Co Louth because he had been pepper sprayed.
David Kennedy of Moneymore, Drogheda has appeared in court charged with spitting at a Garda and obstructing a Garda during the course of their duties.
Armed Gardaí were arresting a man believed to be in possession of a knife in Drogheda on Wednesday afternoon.
Mr Kennedy tried to interfere with the arrest, and allegedly spat at a Garda.
