Breakfast Briefing

Exiting level 5 restrictions is top of the agenda at this morning's cabinet meeting.

The Government's preference is to move directly to level three, while its expected NPHET officials will take a more cautious approach.

The daily Covid 19 case number dropped below 300 for the first time in 2 weeks last night, with 252 cases reported, however NPHET says it wouldn't be surprised if case numbers were higher today.

Shane Beatty was joined on Breakfast Briefing by UCC Professor Gerry Killeen:

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A proven new way for communities to deal with public nuisance and drug-related activity together could be rolled out across the country.

Called the Community Crime Impact Assessment, it's already been piloted in 2 areas of Dublin.

An evaluation of the tool is being launched later today.

Shane Beatty was joined on Breakfast Briefing by Anna Quigley, Coordinator of Citywide Drugs Crisis Campaign:

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Yesterday was International Mens Day.

Today is Universal Childrens Day.

The migrant support and human rights organisation, Doras, based in Limerick, is marking the date by calling on the Irish government to ensure no more children live and grow up in Direct Provision, by honouring their commitment to end the system by 2023.

A report from the Ombudsman for Children earlier this year found delays in processing asylum applications and long stays in Direct Provision may have serious negative implications for children and their development.

John Lannon, Doras CEO joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:

 

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Two COVID-19 testing facilities are opening at Dublin Airport.

The testing facilities offer passengers and consumers the option of either a drive-through or a walk-in test.

The providers at Dublin Airport have testing capacity of more than 12,000 tests per day, and this will shortly be expanded to 15,000.

Paul o Kane of the DAA joined Shane Beatty on Breakfast Briefing:

 

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With the country under level 5 restrictions, the official guidance is that everybody who can, should be working from home.

But what protections do they have, and who pays for the extra costs associated with your house becoming your office.

Labours working from home bill is being debated in the Dáil today and, if enacted, it would give workers a right to switch off and would require employers to provide a suitable home workstation and flat rate payment to cover the costs now shouldered by workers.

Shane Beatty was joined on Breakfast Briefing by Labour Senator Marie Sherlock:

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