Coronavirus: No new deaths reported in Republic for first time since March
There have been no new coronavirus deaths reported to health officials in the past 24 hours.
59 new cases of the virus have been confirmed this evening.
It brings the total number of cases to 24,698, while the number of deaths stands at 1,606.
Dominic Cummings says he 'doesn't regret' travelling hundreds of miles during lockdown
Boris Johnson's senior adviser Dominic Cummings has defended travelling hundreds of miles from London during the coronavirus lockdown - saying he does not regret the decision.
In a statement to media today, Mr Cummings confirmed he had driven from London to Durham on Friday 27th March.
He also acknowledged that he had travelled from Durham to the outskirts of Barnard Castle town on April 12th - a 25 mile drive.
Alastair Campbell labels Tory leadership 'bunch of elitist scumbags'
Alastair Campbell on stage at a rally in London, 06-12-2019. Image: Yui Mok/PA Wire/PA ImagesA former Downing Street press secretary has labelled the Conservative Party leadership the “biggest bunch of elitist scumbags that have ever been near power.”
It comes after the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson defended his top aide Dominic Cummings over his breach of COVID-19 lockdown rules.
On The Pat Kenny Show this morning, Tony Blair’s former spokesman and strategist, Alastair Campbell, said that you “can’t believe a word they say.”
COVID-19 payment: Shops finding it "extremely" difficult to source staff
Shops and newsagents say they are finding it “extremely” difficult to get staff to return to work because of the COVID-19 payment.
It comes after it emerged nearly 40% of people getting the Pandemic Unemployment Payment are currently better off than they were when they were working.
The Government is expected to change the system in June – with payments worked out based on people’s average incomes before the outbreak.
On Newstalk Breakfast this morning, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association said his members are struggling to convince workers to come back in.
Spokesperson says Varadkar followed COVID-19 guidelines on park day out
A Government spokesperson has said the Taoiseach adhered to public health guidance when he joined friends in Phoenix Park yesterday.
It comes after photos emerged of Leo Varadkar enjoying the sun with his partner and two friends on Sunday afternoon.
The images led to claims he had breached the COVID-19 lockdown, as the park is 8km from his home on Carpenterstown Road in Castleknock.
