Author: Awais Rasheed

In his inaugural speech to the Dáil, newly elected TD Charles Ward expressed deep concern over the perceived neglect of Donegal, declaring that the region is being “abandoned.” A native of Arranmore who currently resides in Drumkeen, Ward was elected to represent the Donegal constituency for the 100% Redress Party, which advocates for homeowners affected by the Irish defective block crisis. His address marked a significant moment as he joined 65 other new TDs for the first session of the 34th Dáil at Leinster House. “The people of Donegal have entrusted me with a mandate to secure 100% redress for…

A recent report from the Pensions Council, conducted by KPMG, has outlined the financial requirements for achieving a “comfortable” retirement in Ireland. The findings indicate that a single person will need an annual pension of €33,600, while a couple will require €43,200 to maintain a lifestyle that meets their expectations. The news report details various retirement living standards, providing insight into the financial needs for different levels of comfort. For those aiming for a “modest” retirement, which covers basic living expenses with some allowance for non-essentials, the figures drop to €19,200 for singles and €28,800 for couples. A “moderate” retirement,…

The HSE Mental Health Services Sligo Leitrim team has proudly secured the prestigious Mental Health Initiative of the Year award at the 2024 Irish Healthcare Awards. This recognition comes in light of their groundbreaking development of a Person Centred Mental Health Crisis Resolution Team, which has shown remarkable success in enhancing mental health care delivery in the region. The awards ceremony took place on December 4 at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, where the achievements of the healthcare community were celebrated. With over 500 healthcare professionals in attendance, the event highlighted the significant strides made in improving patient care and…

A talented Donegal student has brought pride to Ireland by competing in the prestigious Coupe de la Jeunesse Beach Sprints Rowing event in Spain. Grace Masterson, a 6th Year student at Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, represented her country with skill and determination in the highly competitive international event last weekend. Impressive Teamwork in Mixed Doubles Grace partnered with Jack Hehir of Roscarbery Rowing Club, Cork, to compete in the Mixed Doubles category. The duo faced strong opposition but demonstrated remarkable teamwork and resilience throughout the event. The competition saw 14 Irish boats entering the time trials, with every…

A recent survey conducted by SIPTU has revealed significant concerns on low pay for healthcare assistants, inadequate staffing levels, and high stress in the workplace. The findings highlight the growing challenges faced by these vital workers, particularly in private healthcare settings. According to the survey, an overwhelming 93% of respondents identified low pay as a major issue affecting their roles. Additionally, half of the participants expressed concerns over the lack of benefits, such as contributory pensions and maternity pay, which further exacerbates the difficulties faced by healthcare assistants. Other issues highlighted included workplace stress, lack of recognition for their efforts,…

Rosé wine, often synonymous with summer soirées, is now taking centre stage in winter celebrations in the drinks industry. Tesco Ireland has revealed that rosé’s popularity isn’t confined to sunny months, as sales of the pink-hued wine peak during December, rivaling the traditionally busy month of May. This shift highlights the versatile appeal of rosé, with more consumers opting for its refreshing flavours at holiday gatherings. To cater to this growing trend, Tesco has introduced Miraval Rosé Côtes de Provence to select stores across Ireland. Owned by Brad Pitt, this elegant wine boasts a pale hue and delicate aromas of…

What’s better than a cosy Christmas movie marathon? Pairing it with the perfect wine and festive treats! Rory Craig from WineStation shares his expert advice on how to elevate your movie nights with brilliant wine and food combinations. Whether you’re diving into classic favourites or feel-good comedies, here’s how to make your Christmas extra special with this Christmas wine and food pairings. Champagne & National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Celebrate the hilarity of National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation with a sophisticated glass of Champagne. Rory suggests pairing it with decadent snacks like duck pâté or foie gras to create a contrasting match…

The Irish economy risks are increasing due to the anticipated policies of the incoming U.S. administration, according to a recent assessment by the Central Bank of Ireland. This warning comes as Dublin grapples with its significant reliance on multinational corporations, particularly in the tech and pharmaceutical sectors, which are heavily influenced by U.S. corporate tax policies and trade regulations. In its latest quarterly report, the central bank highlighted how President-elect Donald Trump’s proposed tax cuts, incentives for domestic production, and potential tariffs could adversely affect Ireland’s economy. These changes could disrupt trade flows between Ireland and the U.S., leading to…

As the festive season approaches, health officials are bracing for a significant spike in flu cases, with projections indicating that hospitalisations will reach their peak during Christmas and New Year. The Health Service Executive (HSE) has reported nearly 2,000 cases of Covid-19, RSV, and influenza notified in just the past week, underscoring the urgent need for public awareness. Recent data reveals that between 600 and 900 individuals may require hospitalisation due to influenza alone, while more than 600 people have already been admitted for various respiratory illnesses, including Covid-19 and RSV. Emergency departments have seen a marked increase in patients…

Cork County Council has officially launched its Local Festival and Event Fund for 2025, aimed at enhancing local culture and boosting tourism in the region. This initiative is designed to support a diverse range of festivals and events that celebrate Cork’s unique identity, stimulate economic growth, and draw domestic visitors. The fund offers financial assistance to event organisers, enabling them to extend the tourism season and create lasting benefits for their communities. Grants of up to €6,000 are available, providing valuable resources to help festivals thrive and promote local engagement. Support for a Variety of Events The Local Festival and…