Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other.

A doctor from South Africa and her husband from the UK are stuck on either side of the Irish border due to post-Brexit application rules.

Corrinne and Brett Giles are stuck in Donegal and Derry counties respectively, which are nearly 25 miles away. Corrine had worked at the frontline during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but is currently out of a job and "living out of a suitcase".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb8ZGg-t3yAhUrzzgGHYGwBwQQFjACegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3tW9dqtdCdHFw-W-hcTGai" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/five-years-on-brexit-bedevils-pandemic-hit-uk-393283" target="_blank">Five years on,&nbsp;Brexit&nbsp;bedevils pandemic-hit UK</a>

She lost her job as she was told that she would be able to immediately move to the UK and therefore she need not extend her contract in Ireland. However, now eight months later she is still struggling to survive in Ireland away from her partner.

"All the time the gap in my working career is growing substantially. Being kept in the dark with absolutely no feedback or communication from the Home Office is absolute torture. I never in my wildest dreams thought that two years after coming to&nbsp;Europe, I would be sitting on the couch, unemployed, disillusioned, disheartened," Corrine said. "All I want is a normal life. Also all my family are in the UK, my brothers, my sisters, my mum, and I’m completely alone in a foreign environment and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to continue this life."

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjb8ZGg-t3yAhUrzzgGHYGwBwQQFjAHegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw22tS43fAuqGPceKyjiG_z2" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-urges-eu-to-show-common-sense-in-post-brexit-talks-390255" target="_blank">UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit&nbsp;talks</a>

The doctor also faces the danger of having to move back to South Africa if she doesn’t get her work permit extended in Ireland or be able to move to the UK. This has led to Corrine living in a “constant state of anxiety” away from her partner.

This has happened due to the new guidelines in the post-Brexit world. Since the EU and UK separated, all UK citizens' non-British partners have to compulsorily apply for pre-settled status before March 29 next year in order to be able to enter the UK visa-free as a family. However, things were much simpler earlier when relatives of UK citizens could return to the country anytime, just like EU and non-EU members.

The new and only way by which non-EU nationals can enter the UK as a family is to first get a family permit from the Home Office.

Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other.

Brexit hurt a lot of businesses and lead to a decline in several sectors, eventually hitting the economy. However, a couple never thought Brexit would lead to them living away from each other. A doctor from South Africa and her husband from the UK are stuck on either side of the Irish border due to post-Brexit application rules. Corrinne and Brett Giles are stuck in Donegal and Derry counties respectively, which are nearly 25 miles away. Corrine had worked at the frontline during the peak of the coronavirus pandemic but is currently out of a job and "living out of a suitcase". Also read | Five years on, Brexit bedevils pandemic-hit UK She lost her job as she was told that she would be able to immediately move to the UK and therefore she need not extend her contract in Ireland. However, now eight months later she is still struggling to survive in Ireland away from her partner. "All the time the gap in my working career is growing substantially. Being kept in the dark with absolutely no feedback or communication from the Home Office is absolute torture. I never in my wildest dreams thought that two years after coming to Europe, I would be sitting on the couch, unemployed, disillusioned, disheartened," Corrine said. "All I want is a normal life. Also all my family are in the UK, my brothers, my sisters, my mum, and I’m completely alone in a foreign environment and it’s becoming increasingly difficult for me to continue this life." Also read | UK urges EU to show 'common sense' in post-Brexit talks The doctor also faces the danger of having to move back to South Africa if she doesn’t get her work permit extended in Ireland or be able to move to the UK. This has led to Corrine living in a “constant state of anxiety” away from her partner. This has happened due to the new guidelines in the post-Brexit world. Since the EU and UK separated, all UK citizens' non-British partners have to compulsorily apply for pre-settled status before March 29 next year in order to be able to enter the UK visa-free as a family. However, things were much simpler earlier when relatives of UK citizens could return to the country anytime, just like EU and non-EU members. The new and only way by which non-EU nationals can enter the UK as a family is to first get a family permit from the Home Office.

Couple divided by Irish border struggles to unite due to Brexit

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found.&nbsp;

Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place.

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When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know.

Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower.

While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.&nbsp;

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years.

A new poll for the Observer has revealed that two-thirds of voters in Northern Ireland believe that there should be a vote over its place in the UK, however, only 37 per cent want it to take place within the next five years. Around 31 per cent of voters said that there should be a vote at some point about Northern Ireland’s place in the UK but after 2026, the LucidTalk poll found. Also, a further 29 per cent said that there should never be such a vote. There is currently a seven-point lead for Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK should any vote take place. Also read | Taliban guard Kabul airport as NATO troops leave Afghanistan When asked how they would vote, 49 per cent said that they would back remaining in the UK, while 42 per cent backed being part of a united Ireland, with 9 per cent saying they did not know. Various other recent surveys have put support for a united Ireland much lower. While many experts said that they believed the political temperature in Northern Ireland was now cooling, the issue of a border poll has been raised by figures in recent months.

Majority of voters in Northern Ireland want vote on staying in UK

A 24-year-old Irish man, named Ruairí McSorley was recently rescued after being stranded for over 12 hours in the icy waters of Ireland's Tralee Bay. It has been reported that McSorley, who is believed to be from Derry, off the Co Kerry coastline, attempted to swim over five miles from Castlegregory beach.&nbsp;

However, he was found later wearing his trunks in the cold waters and a pod of dolphins had surrounded him, it appeared&nbsp;like they were trying to protect him.&nbsp;

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Hypothermic and exhausted McSorley was spotted by rescuers who plucked him from the water on Sunday as they called it a "miracle" rescue. Fenit RNLI volunteer Jackie Murphy said it had been a 'miracle' the man had survived the ordeal.&nbsp;

However, in turn of events, this particular Irish man has been revealed as the "Frostbit boy", who earned popularity in 2015 because of a viral video in which his comedically thick Irish accent drew attention.&nbsp;

Watch his pipular video&nbsp;clip here:

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At that time, he also gained more than 3.5 million views in a few days, thanks to the popular clip.&nbsp;

Murphy was clear the man's survival was due to the "brilliance" of RNLI coxswain Finbarr O’Connell. "It's a miracle he was found," she said.

However, speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr ­O'Connell refused to take all the credit, saying: "The crew we have are all excellent. It's good to get a positive result. Normally we go out, and it mightn’t be that positive. We are all just elated."

Mr O'Connell went on: "He was very, very lucky. There is no doubt about it. Another half an hour, and he was a goner. None of us or the medics can believe he ­survived it."

A 24-year-old Irish man, named Ruairí McSorley was recently rescued after being stranded for over 12 hours in the icy waters of Ireland's Tralee Bay. It has been reported that McSorley, who is believed to be from Derry, off the Co Kerry coastline, attempted to swim over five miles from Castlegregory beach.

A 24-year-old Irish man, named Ruairí McSorley was recently rescued after being stranded for over 12 hours in the icy waters of Ireland's Tralee Bay. It has been reported that McSorley, who is believed to be from Derry, off the Co Kerry coastline, attempted to swim over five miles from Castlegregory beach. However, he was found later wearing his trunks in the cold waters and a pod of dolphins had surrounded him, it appeared like they were trying to protect him. ALSO READ | Kabul barber fears uncertain future under Taliban rule while residents hope for jobs Hypothermic and exhausted McSorley was spotted by rescuers who plucked him from the water on Sunday as they called it a "miracle" rescue. Fenit RNLI volunteer Jackie Murphy said it had been a 'miracle' the man had survived the ordeal. However, in turn of events, this particular Irish man has been revealed as the "Frostbit boy", who earned popularity in 2015 because of a viral video in which his comedically thick Irish accent drew attention. Watch his pipular video clip here: × At that time, he also gained more than 3.5 million views in a few days, thanks to the popular clip. Murphy was clear the man's survival was due to the "brilliance" of RNLI coxswain Finbarr O’Connell. "It's a miracle he was found," she said. However, speaking to the Irish Independent, Mr O'Connell refused to take all the credit, saying: "The crew we have are all excellent. It's good to get a positive result. Normally we go out, and it mightn’t be that positive. We are all just elated." Mr O'Connell went on: "He was very, very lucky. There is no doubt about it. Another half an hour, and he was a goner. None of us or the medics can believe he survived it."

'Miracle' rescue of Irish man, found surrounded by dolphins after 12 hours in icy waters

Best places to survive amid global societal collapse

Ireland will start offering <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">COVID-19 vaccinations</a> to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout.

In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the government said it "accepted advice" from Dublin's jabs taskforce that "recommends the extension of the vaccination programme to children aged 12-15".

"This will be reviewed from a planning, operational and clinical perspective in the coming days," the statement said.

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Health minister Stephen Donnelly said children would be offered mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna which have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

"We are continuing to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 among our young people," he said in a statement.

"Vaccination, along with continued adherence to the public health advice, remains the best protection we can offer."

Separately on Tuesday, Irish teenagers aged 16 and 17 were permitted to register to secure appointments for mRNA Covid vaccinations.

Those aged 18 plus have been eligible for vaccination since early July.

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Ireland's vaccine rollout was initially sluggish and tethered to an EU programme that was hobbled by procurement issues.

But it has dramatically picked up pace in recent months.

Dublin said to date over 5.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the Republic, which is home to five million people.

Some 69% of Ireland's population are now fully vaccinated while 83% &nbsp;have been partially inoculated, according to the government.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 5,026 COVID-19 deaths in Ireland.

Although the death toll has remained low, case figures have risen in recent weeks as Ireland dropped pandemic curbs.

The daily infection toll now regularly surpasses 1,000 and the Health Services Executive (HSE) has also warned that hospital admissions are on the rise.

The government warned "the incidence of the Delta variant in Ireland poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully vaccinated".

Ireland will start offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout.

Ireland will start offering COVID-19 vaccinations to children aged 12 and up, the government said Tuesday, warning the Delta variant still poses "a significant risk" in the country despite a high-tempo jabs rollout. In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the government said it "accepted advice" from Dublin's jabs taskforce that "recommends the extension of the vaccination programme to children aged 12-15". "This will be reviewed from a planning, operational and clinical perspective in the coming days," the statement said. Also read | AstraZeneca and Pfizer mixed shots boost antibody levels: Study Health minister Stephen Donnelly said children would be offered mRNA vaccines produced by Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna which have been approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA). "We are continuing to see an increase in cases of COVID-19 among our young people," he said in a statement. "Vaccination, along with continued adherence to the public health advice, remains the best protection we can offer." Separately on Tuesday, Irish teenagers aged 16 and 17 were permitted to register to secure appointments for mRNA Covid vaccinations. Those aged 18 plus have been eligible for vaccination since early July. Also read | The delta variant is the symptom of a bigger threat: Vaccine refusal Ireland's vaccine rollout was initially sluggish and tethered to an EU programme that was hobbled by procurement issues. But it has dramatically picked up pace in recent months. Dublin said to date over 5.5 million doses of vaccine have been administered in the Republic, which is home to five million people. Some 69% of Ireland's population are now fully vaccinated while 83% have been partially inoculated, according to the government. Since the pandemic began, there have been 5,026 COVID-19 deaths in Ireland. Although the death toll has remained low, case figures have risen in recent weeks as Ireland dropped pandemic curbs. The daily infection toll now regularly surpasses 1,000 and the Health Services Executive (HSE) has also warned that hospital admissions are on the rise. The government warned "the incidence of the Delta variant in Ireland poses a significant risk, particularly to those who are not yet fully vaccinated".

Ireland to vaccinate teens as Delta concerns linger

In a bid to facilitate a broader global tax deal, the European Union has agreed to delay a corporate tax plan for the bloc following pressure from the US administration, but EU member Ireland reiterated its criticisms of the wider reform.

World Business Watch: After US push, EU pauses tax plan but Ireland sticks to its guns

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress.

Frustration in the British government is also rising because London has offered a number of proposals to solve a standoff with the European Union over Northern Ireland but has not had a lot back, Frost added.

"Our position is that we would like to find negotiated agreements that ... bring it back to the sort of light-touch agreement that we thought we were agreeing," Frost told a parliamentary committee.

"Our frustration ... is that we're not getting a lot of traction, and we feel we have put in a lot of ideas and we haven't had very much back to help move these discussions forward, and meanwhile ... time is running out."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he could trigger emergency measures in the Northern Ireland protocol after its implementation at the beginning of this year has seen disruption to trade between Britain and its province. 
 
"All options remain on the table as regards steps forwards. Obviously, we would prefer to find negotiated ways forward if we can. If that's not possible obviously ... other options remain on the table," Frost told a parliamentary committee.

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday that&nbsp;post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are not a threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom but simply a means of managing disruption from its exit from the European Union.

"Don't know how many times this needs to be said before it's fully accepted as true. NI (Northern Ireland) Protocol is a technical trading arrangement to manage the disruption of Brexit for the island of Ireland to the greatest extent possible," Simon Coveney said on Twitter.

"It's not about constitutional matters," he said, in response to comments by Britain's Brexit minister David Frost at a parliamentary committee.

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress.

Britain is keeping all options on the table as a response in a dispute with the European Union over part of their Brexit deal covering Northern Ireland, Brexit minister David Frost said on Wednesday, adding that talks were not making much progress. Frustration in the British government is also rising because London has offered a number of proposals to solve a standoff with the European Union over Northern Ireland but has not had a lot back, Frost added. "Our position is that we would like to find negotiated agreements that ... bring it back to the sort of light-touch agreement that we thought we were agreeing," Frost told a parliamentary committee. "Our frustration ... is that we're not getting a lot of traction, and we feel we have put in a lot of ideas and we haven't had very much back to help move these discussions forward, and meanwhile ... time is running out." Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he could trigger emergency measures in the Northern Ireland protocol after its implementation at the beginning of this year has seen disruption to trade between Britain and its province. "All options remain on the table as regards steps forwards. Obviously, we would prefer to find negotiated ways forward if we can. If that's not possible obviously ... other options remain on the table," Frost told a parliamentary committee. Meanwhile, Ireland's foreign minister said on Tuesday that post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland are not a threat to the territorial integrity of the United Kingdom but simply a means of managing disruption from its exit from the European Union. "Don't know how many times this needs to be said before it's fully accepted as true. NI (Northern Ireland) Protocol is a technical trading arrangement to manage the disruption of Brexit for the island of Ireland to the greatest extent possible," Simon Coveney said on Twitter. "It's not about constitutional matters," he said, in response to comments by Britain's Brexit minister David Frost at a parliamentary committee.

Not much progress: Britain keeps all options open in Northern Ireland row

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence.

After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable.

"The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on."

"There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU.

The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed.

Brexit

Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders.

French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom.

(With inputs from agencies)

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position.

UK PM Boris Johnson was told by the European Union to implement the Brexit deal he signed to ensure the delicate peace in Northern Ireland. The bloc told the UK that all 27 EU member countries were unified in that position. The US has expressed concern that dispute between the UK and the EU over implementation of 2020 Brexit deal could undermine 1998 Good Friday peace deal that ended three decades of violence. After the United Kingdom exited the bloc's orbit on Jan. 1, Johnson has unilaterally delayed the implementation of some provisions of the Northern Ireland Protocol of the deal and his top negotiator has said the protocol is unsustainable. "The Good Friday Agreement and peace on the island of Ireland are paramount," Ursula von der Leyen said after a meeting with Johnson and European Council President Charles Michel. "Both sides must implement what we agreed on." "There is complete EU unity on this," she said, adding that the deal had been agreed, signed and ratified by both Johnson's government and the EU. The 1998 peace deal largely brought an end to the "Troubles" - three decades of conflict between Irish Catholic nationalist militants and pro-British Protestant "loyalist" paramilitaries in which 3,600 people were killed. Brexit Though Brexit was not part of the formal agenda for the Group of Seven summit in the English seaside resort of Carbis Bay, it was raised in meetings between Johnson and EU leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron offered to reset relations with Britain as long as Johnson stands by the Brexit deal.. Johnson also met German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Brexit has strained the situation in Northern Ireland: The EU wants to protect its markets but an effective border in the Irish Sea created by the Northern Ireland Protocol cuts off the British province from the rest of the United Kingdom. (With inputs from agencies)

Implement the Brexit deal, EU tells UK PM Boris Johnson

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan.

The objection from Dublin's finance minister Paschal Donohoe on Tuesday carries weight because Ireland hosts an outsized number of technology and pharmaceutical firms that were attracted to the country for its lower tax rate.&nbsp;

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"We do have really significant reservations regarding a global minimum effective tax&nbsp;rate status at such a level that it means only certain countries, and certain size economies can benefit from that base -- we have a really significant concern about that," Donohoe told Sky News.

His objections come as finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced nations&nbsp;are set to meet next week in London, where they could endorse the US proposal.

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Biden's administration last week called for an agreement on the unified tax rate of a minimum of 15 per cent rate in negotiations with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20.

The European Union's top economies France and Germany said they would support a tax at that level, and the IMF's leader on Tuesday also offered her endorsement.

A person close to the G7 talks told AFP they expect a political agreement next week, though two other people with knowledge of the matter said member states may opt for a less definitive measure.

Funding infrastructure

Finance chiefs have characterized a minimum tax as necessary to stem competition between countries over who can offer multinationals the lowest rate. They say that "race to the bottom" saps revenues that could go to other government priorities.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-vows-flexibility-in-landmark-2-trillion-infrastructure-bill-377181">US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

For&nbsp;Biden, a global tax agreement also would help maintain US competitiveness, since he has proposed hiking domestic corporate taxes to pay for an infrastructure and jobs program with a price tag of around $2 trillion.

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will represent the United States at next week's meeting, and her deputy, Wally Adeyemo, told Reuters on Monday that he expects to see "a lot of unified support" for the plan from the G7 nations.&nbsp;

French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire last week called the 15 per cent proposal "a good compromise."&nbsp;

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said establishing a global minimum tax would be "a benefit," and something the Washington-based crisis lender has long supported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/republicans-reject-biden-infrastructure-bill-despite-reduced-cost-386738">Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost</a>

"Why? Because when we have it, there is no race to the bottom and less tax avoidance," Georgieva said&nbsp;Tuesday during a conversation with The Washington Post.&nbsp;

That means "more money in the public purse to invest in education and healthcare, and infrastructure, digitalization -- all the good things we recognize we have to invest more into."

However, she acknowledged the challenge in finding "the sweet spot" for the global economy between those priorities and the best rate for national governments, given some countries have relied on low tax rates to compete for revenue.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-to-push-through-infrastructure-plan-even-without-republican-support-375366">Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support</a>

Ireland is among that group, and according to Sky News, Donohoe said it intends to hold its corporate tax rate at 12.5 per cent for a few more years.

Last month, Dublin's finance ministry released a projection saying it could lose two billion euros ($2.4 billion) each year in revenue starting in 2025 if a global minimum tax rate is enacted.

US President Joe Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan.

US President Joe Biden's push to get major economies to agree on a 15 per cent minimum tax rate for multinational corporations has hit turbulence after Ireland's finance minister expressed "significant reservations" about the plan. The objection from Dublin's finance minister Paschal Donohoe on Tuesday carries weight because Ireland hosts an outsized number of technology and pharmaceutical firms that were attracted to the country for its lower tax rate. Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill "We do have really significant reservations regarding a global minimum effective tax rate status at such a level that it means only certain countries, and certain size economies can benefit from that base -- we have a really significant concern about that," Donohoe told Sky News. His objections come as finance ministers from the Group of Seven advanced nations are set to meet next week in London, where they could endorse the US proposal. Also Read | It’s crunch time, and Biden’s climate gambit faces steep hurdles Biden's administration last week called for an agreement on the unified tax rate of a minimum of 15 per cent rate in negotiations with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and G20. The European Union's top economies France and Germany said they would support a tax at that level, and the IMF's leader on Tuesday also offered her endorsement. A person close to the G7 talks told AFP they expect a political agreement next week, though two other people with knowledge of the matter said member states may opt for a less definitive measure. Funding infrastructure Finance chiefs have characterized a minimum tax as necessary to stem competition between countries over who can offer multinationals the lowest rate. They say that "race to the bottom" saps revenues that could go to other government priorities. Also Read | US President Joe Biden vows flexibility in landmark $2 trillion infrastructure bill For Biden, a global tax agreement also would help maintain US competitiveness, since he has proposed hiking domestic corporate taxes to pay for an infrastructure and jobs program with a price tag of around $2 trillion. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen will represent the United States at next week's meeting, and her deputy, Wally Adeyemo, told Reuters on Monday that he expects to see "a lot of unified support" for the plan from the G7 nations. French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire last week called the 15 per cent proposal "a good compromise." IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said establishing a global minimum tax would be "a benefit," and something the Washington-based crisis lender has long supported. Also Read | Republicans reject Biden infrastructure bill despite reduced cost "Why? Because when we have it, there is no race to the bottom and less tax avoidance," Georgieva said Tuesday during a conversation with The Washington Post. That means "more money in the public purse to invest in education and healthcare, and infrastructure, digitalization -- all the good things we recognize we have to invest more into." However, she acknowledged the challenge in finding "the sweet spot" for the global economy between those priorities and the best rate for national governments, given some countries have relied on low tax rates to compete for revenue. Also Read | Biden to push through infrastructure plan even without Republican support Ireland is among that group, and according to Sky News, Donohoe said it intends to hold its corporate tax rate at 12.5 per cent for a few more years. Last month, Dublin's finance ministry released a projection saying it could lose two billion euros ($2.4 billion) each year in revenue starting in 2025 if a global minimum tax rate is enacted.

Biden's global tax proposal faces setback after Ireland objects

The European Union's tensions with former member Britain are not due to problems with the Northern Ireland protocol agreed by both sides, but Brexit itself, the head of the bloc’s executive said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Ursula von der Leyen told a news conference after the first day of an EU summit in Brussels that all 27 member states of the bloc agreed that there can be no alternative to a full and correct implementation of the protocol.&nbsp;

"There should be no doubt that there is no alternative to the full and correct implementation of the protocol, she said.&nbsp;

"It is important to reiterate that the protocol is the only possible solution to ensure peace and stability in Northern Ireland while protecting the integrity of the European Union single market," von der Leyen added.&nbsp;

"If we see problems today we should not forget that they do not come from the protocol but result from Brexit, that is the reason why the problems are there."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

The European Union's tensions with former member Britain are not due to problems with the Northern Ireland protocol agreed by both sides, but Brexit itself, the head of the bloc’s executive said on Tuesday.

The European Union's tensions with former member Britain are not due to problems with the Northern Ireland protocol agreed by both sides, but Brexit itself, the head of the bloc’s executive said on Tuesday. Ursula von der Leyen told a news conference after the first day of an EU summit in Brussels that all 27 member states of the bloc agreed that there can be no alternative to a full and correct implementation of the protocol. "There should be no doubt that there is no alternative to the full and correct implementation of the protocol, she said. "It is important to reiterate that the protocol is the only possible solution to ensure peace and stability in Northern Ireland while protecting the integrity of the European Union single market," von der Leyen added. "If we see problems today we should not forget that they do not come from the protocol but result from Brexit, that is the reason why the problems are there." (With inputs from agencies)

EU says tensions with UK stem from Brexit, not Northern Ireland protocol 

Bogs have long been a source of cheap fuel in Ireland. They've been harvested for fuel or use in Horticulture.

Why are Bogs important for harvesting in Ireland?

Ireland's health ministry was the target of an attempted cyber attack the Irish government said on Sunday, days after a similar attack struck the country's health service.

"The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) became aware on Thursday of an attempted cyber attack on the Department of Health," the government said in a statement.

It explained "some functions" of the department's IT system had been suspended "as a precautionary measure".

"This attempted attack remains under investigation, however there are indications that this was a ransomware attack similar to that which has affected the (Public Health Service) HSE," it added.

The cyber attack on HSE, which its chief Paul Reid described to public broadcaster RTE as an "international criminal operation", forced the Irish health service to shut down its computer systems.

Non-urgent appointments were cancelled but the country's Covid vaccination campaign was not impacted.

Attacks using ransomware, a form of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, have been on the rise in recent years. &nbsp;

After the cyber attacker has control of the computer system they then demand a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data.

On Wednesday, Britain's Foreign Minister Dominic Raab called for an international coalition to address the growing threat from state actors and criminal groups that are targeting democracies with cyber attacks, implicating Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Ireland's health ministry was the target of an attempted cyber attack the Irish government said on Sunday, days after a similar attack struck the country's health service.

Ireland's health ministry was the target of an attempted cyber attack the Irish government said on Sunday, days after a similar attack struck the country's health service. "The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) became aware on Thursday of an attempted cyber attack on the Department of Health," the government said in a statement. It explained "some functions" of the department's IT system had been suspended "as a precautionary measure". "This attempted attack remains under investigation, however there are indications that this was a ransomware attack similar to that which has affected the (Public Health Service) HSE," it added. The cyber attack on HSE, which its chief Paul Reid described to public broadcaster RTE as an "international criminal operation", forced the Irish health service to shut down its computer systems. Non-urgent appointments were cancelled but the country's Covid vaccination campaign was not impacted. Attacks using ransomware, a form of malicious software that encrypts a victim's files, have been on the rise in recent years. After the cyber attacker has control of the computer system they then demand a ransom from the victim to restore access to the data. On Wednesday, Britain's Foreign Minister Dominic Raab called for an international coalition to address the growing threat from state actors and criminal groups that are targeting democracies with cyber attacks, implicating Russia, China, Iran and North Korea.

Irish Department of Health targeted in cyber attack

Ireland's High Court on Friday rejected Facebook's bid to block a regulatory probe that could potentially stop data transfers from the European Union to the United States.

"I refuse all of the reliefs sought by (Facebook Ireland) and dismiss the claims made by it in the proceedings," read a statement from High Court judge David Barniville, dismissing its challenge against the Data Protection Commissioner's decision to hold a probe.

"FBI has not established any basis for impugning the DPC decision or the PDD or the procedures for the inquiry adopted by the DPC," the judgment said.

The case originates from EU concern that US government's surveillance may not respect privacy rights of EU citizens.

Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) had launched an inquiry in August. It had issued a provisional order saying that the main mechanism Facebook uses to transfer EU user data to the United States "cannot in practice be used". Facebook had challenged the inquiry and the Preliminary Draft Decision (PDD).

Facebook had said that the inquiry threatened "devastating" and "irreversible" consequences for its business, which relies on processing user data to serve targeted online ads. The HIgh Court rejected the challenge.

While the decision does not trigger an immediate halt to data flows, Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems, who forced the Irish data regulator to act in a series of legal actions over the past eight years, said he believed the decision made it inevitable.

"After eight years, the DPC is now required to stop Facebook's EU-U.S. data transfers, likely before summer," he said.

A Facebook spokesman said the company looked forward to defending its compliance with EU data rules as the Irish regulator's provisional order "could be damaging not only to Facebook, but also to users and other businesses".

(With inputs from agencies)

Ireland's High Court on Friday rejected Facebook's bid to block a regulatory probe that could potentially stop data transfers from the European Union to the United States.

Ireland's High Court on Friday rejected Facebook's bid to block a regulatory probe that could potentially stop data transfers from the European Union to the United States. "I refuse all of the reliefs sought by (Facebook Ireland) and dismiss the claims made by it in the proceedings," read a statement from High Court judge David Barniville, dismissing its challenge against the Data Protection Commissioner's decision to hold a probe. "FBI has not established any basis for impugning the DPC decision or the PDD or the procedures for the inquiry adopted by the DPC," the judgment said. The case originates from EU concern that US government's surveillance may not respect privacy rights of EU citizens. Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) had launched an inquiry in August. It had issued a provisional order saying that the main mechanism Facebook uses to transfer EU user data to the United States "cannot in practice be used". Facebook had challenged the inquiry and the Preliminary Draft Decision (PDD). Facebook had said that the inquiry threatened "devastating" and "irreversible" consequences for its business, which relies on processing user data to serve targeted online ads. The HIgh Court rejected the challenge. While the decision does not trigger an immediate halt to data flows, Austrian privacy activist Max Schrems, who forced the Irish data regulator to act in a series of legal actions over the past eight years, said he believed the decision made it inevitable. "After eight years, the DPC is now required to stop Facebook's EU-U.S. data transfers, likely before summer," he said. A Facebook spokesman said the company looked forward to defending its compliance with EU data rules as the Irish regulator's provisional order "could be damaging not only to Facebook, but also to users and other businesses". (With inputs from agencies)

Facebook may face prospect of data transfer ban after Irish ruling

Ireland's health authority said Friday it had shut down its computer systems after experiencing a "significant ransomware attack", a week after the largest US fuel pipeline network was also targeted.

The Irish attack was blamed on international criminals and was said to be targeting healthcare records, but officials said patient safety was not at risk.

"We have taken the precaution of shutting down all our IT systems in order to protect them from this attack and to allow us (to) fully assess the situation with our own security partners," the Health Service Executive (HSE) said.

"We apologise for inconvenience caused to patients and to the public and will give further information as it becomes available," it added, stressing&nbsp;Ireland's coronavirus vaccination programme was unaffected and "going ahead as planned".

Another ransomware attack last Friday forced the shutdown of the United States' largest fuel distribution system, leading to some panic buying at gasoline stations along the east coast.

Moscow has rejected US accusations that a Russia-based group was behind the cyber attack.

HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the attack in&nbsp;Ireland&nbsp;was "an internationally operated criminal operation", and the authority was working with police, the army and its major IT security providers.

"We are at the very early stages of fully understanding the threat," he told Irish broadcaster RTE, adding it was trying to "contain" the issue.

The Rotunda maternity hospital in Dublin said that "due to a serious IT issue", it was only admitting emergency cases and women who are at least 36 weeks pregnant.

Hospital chief Fergal Malone said the attack had targeted computers storing patient records.

Life-saving equipment is operating fine, "there's no problem for patient safety", and the hospital has switched to backup paper records, he told RTE.

"But obviously throughput will be much slower," he said, urging out-patients with routine appointments to stay away.&nbsp;

Ireland's health authority said Friday it had shut down its computer systems after experiencing a "significant ransomware attack", a week after the largest US fuel pipeline network was also targeted.

Ireland's health authority said Friday it had shut down its computer systems after experiencing a "significant ransomware attack", a week after the largest US fuel pipeline network was also targeted. The Irish attack was blamed on international criminals and was said to be targeting healthcare records, but officials said patient safety was not at risk. "We have taken the precaution of shutting down all our IT systems in order to protect them from this attack and to allow us (to) fully assess the situation with our own security partners," the Health Service Executive (HSE) said. "We apologise for inconvenience caused to patients and to the public and will give further information as it becomes available," it added, stressing Ireland's coronavirus vaccination programme was unaffected and "going ahead as planned". Another ransomware attack last Friday forced the shutdown of the United States' largest fuel distribution system, leading to some panic buying at gasoline stations along the east coast. Moscow has rejected US accusations that a Russia-based group was behind the cyber attack. HSE chief executive Paul Reid said the attack in Ireland was "an internationally operated criminal operation", and the authority was working with police, the army and its major IT security providers. "We are at the very early stages of fully understanding the threat," he told Irish broadcaster RTE, adding it was trying to "contain" the issue. The Rotunda maternity hospital in Dublin said that "due to a serious IT issue", it was only admitting emergency cases and women who are at least 36 weeks pregnant. Hospital chief Fergal Malone said the attack had targeted computers storing patient records. Life-saving equipment is operating fine, "there's no problem for patient safety", and the hospital has switched to backup paper records, he told RTE. "But obviously throughput will be much slower," he said, urging out-patients with routine appointments to stay away.

Ireland shuts down health IT system after ransomware attack

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, it is the second shipment of medical aid from Ireland.

The ministry said it is grateful to Ireland, a European Union member, for the support which will help add to India`s oxygen capacities. "Further strengthening our cooperation. 2nd shipment from Ireland carrying 2 oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrives. Deeply grateful to our EU partner for the support which will help add to our oxygen capacities," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted.

A few days back, the first shipment from Ireland containing 700 units of oxygen concentrators and 365 ventilators arrived here. Reeling under the impact of the deadly COVID-19 wave, India reported 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges, and 3,449 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Tuesday.

The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,02,82,833.The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients.

Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.The member states of the European Union are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic.

The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission.Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge.

A shipment carrying two oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrived here on Tuesday from Ireland to provide support in India`s fight against the second COVID-19 surge. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, it is the second shipment of medical aid from Ireland. The ministry said it is grateful to Ireland, a European Union member, for the support which will help add to India`s oxygen capacities. "Further strengthening our cooperation. 2nd shipment from Ireland carrying 2 oxygen generators, 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators and other medical equipment arrives. Deeply grateful to our EU partner for the support which will help add to our oxygen capacities," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi tweeted. A few days back, the first shipment from Ireland containing 700 units of oxygen concentrators and 365 ventilators arrived here. Reeling under the impact of the deadly COVID-19 wave, India reported 3,57,229 new COVID-19 cases, 3,20,289 discharges, and 3,449 deaths in the last 24 hours, as per Union Health Ministry`s data on Tuesday. The total number of coronavirus cases in the country now stands at 2,02,82,833.The worsening COVID-19 situation in India has seen a surge in the demand for medical oxygen and beds for the COVID-19 patients. Several countries around the world have come forward to help India as it continues to struggle with the increase in its health infrastructure needs caused by the rising coronavirus cases.The member states of the European Union are delivering medical aid following India`s request for support as the country has witnessed a record surge in COVID-19 cases in the second wave of the pandemic. The aid is being provided through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, which is coordinated by the Emergency Response Coordination Centre of the European Commission.Several countries like Romania, Italy, Germany, France and Belgium have already sent in the supplies.

India receives Covid aid including 548 oxygen concentrators, 365 ventilators from Ireland

Ireland will press ahead with plans to reopen all retail stores, personal services and non-residential construction in May with hotels, restaurants and bars to follow sooner than expected in early June, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday.

The government committed a month ago to reopening all shops for the first time this year in May and hotels in June if it could avoid a fourth wave of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus">COVID-19</a> disease and speed up its vaccine programme — criteria that it has met.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/women-lost-nearly-800-billion-in-income-due-to-coronavirus-pandemic-381418" hreflang="en">Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic</a>

Coveney said the plan to be signed off by ministers later on Thursday would permit hotels to open their doors again on June 2 with restaurants and pubs - not mentioned a month ago - allowed to serve guests outdoors from June 7.

Ireland has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in Europe but is opting for a slower reopening of its economy than most of its European peers after a relaxation of measures in December triggered a huge spike in cases.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/young-people-who-recovered-from-covid-19-face-risk-of-reinfection-study-381384" hreflang="en">Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study</a>

Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told parliament that in May alone, as many as 15,000 business could reopen with up to 200,000 people being offered their jobs back.

The number of people claiming temporary coronavirus-related jobless benefits stood at 403,000 this week. The total fell as low as 206,000 last September before restrictions began to be reimposed.

Including those claiming regular jobless benefits, Ireland's unemployment rate stood at 24.2 per cent at the end of March.

Ireland has also put in place the EU's toughest restrictions on international travel and Varadkar said that a plan for a phased return to international travel this summer should be agreed by the end of May.

Welcoming the reopening plan, the incoming chief executive of Ireland's largest hotel operator told Reuters that the Dalata Hotel Group (DHG.I) expects very strong occupancy levels outside Dublin this summer and a recovery in the capital from September with the hoped-for return of international travel.

Ireland will press ahead with plans to reopen all retail stores, personal services and non-residential construction in May with hotels, restaurants and bars to follow sooner than expected in early June, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday.

Ireland will press ahead with plans to reopen all retail stores, personal services and non-residential construction in May with hotels, restaurants and bars to follow sooner than expected in early June, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Thursday. The government committed a month ago to reopening all shops for the first time this year in May and hotels in June if it could avoid a fourth wave of COVID-19 disease and speed up its vaccine programme — criteria that it has met. Women lost nearly $800 billion in income due to coronavirus pandemic Coveney said the plan to be signed off by ministers later on Thursday would permit hotels to open their doors again on June 2 with restaurants and pubs - not mentioned a month ago - allowed to serve guests outdoors from June 7. Ireland has one of the lowest COVID-19 infection rates in Europe but is opting for a slower reopening of its economy than most of its European peers after a relaxation of measures in December triggered a huge spike in cases. Also read | Young people who recovered from COVID-19 face risk of reinfection: Study Deputy Prime Minister Leo Varadkar told parliament that in May alone, as many as 15,000 business could reopen with up to 200,000 people being offered their jobs back. The number of people claiming temporary coronavirus-related jobless benefits stood at 403,000 this week. The total fell as low as 206,000 last September before restrictions began to be reimposed. Including those claiming regular jobless benefits, Ireland's unemployment rate stood at 24.2 per cent at the end of March. Ireland has also put in place the EU's toughest restrictions on international travel and Varadkar said that a plan for a phased return to international travel this summer should be agreed by the end of May. Welcoming the reopening plan, the incoming chief executive of Ireland's largest hotel operator told Reuters that the Dalata Hotel Group (DHG.I) expects very strong occupancy levels outside Dublin this summer and a recovery in the capital from September with the hoped-for return of international travel.

Ireland to reopen all shops in May, hospitality in early June

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters.

Coastguard helicopters helped transport fire crews to remote locations to tackle the fire, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on their website.

Video shared with Reuters showed the fire burning on the slopes of the Mournes on Saturday morning itself.

As per local media, the blaze started on Friday (April 23) in Slieve Donard. This is the highest of the Mourne mountains

NIFRS has declared the fire a major incident. It has urged the public to stay away.

(With agency inputs)

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters.

Firefighter have continued fighting the massive gorse fire on Northern Ireland's Mourne Mountains on third day straight on Sunday (April 25). The multi-agency report involves around 100 firefighters. Coastguard helicopters helped transport fire crews to remote locations to tackle the fire, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) said on their website. Video shared with Reuters showed the fire burning on the slopes of the Mournes on Saturday morning itself. As per local media, the blaze started on Friday (April 23) in Slieve Donard. This is the highest of the Mourne mountains NIFRS has declared the fire a major incident. It has urged the public to stay away. (With agency inputs)

Mountain fire in Northern Ireland rages on third day

As broader recognition has emerged of the cost of essential period products, governments around the world have taken strides to address the issue of “period poverty.” Scotland last year passed legislation ensuring that the products are available for free to all who need them, and students in New Zealand will soon be able to get free menstrual products in schools.

Now, retailers are getting involved.

In Ireland, the supermarket chain Lidl will offer free period products in its stores across the country — the first major retailer to make period products available for free nationwide.

The initiative comes as the Irish government is discussing a bill that would enshrine free period products for all into law, similar to a measure in neighboring Scotland.

“The guiding principle of this initiative is the inherent respect for the dignity of all those concerned,” Aoife Clarke, a spokesperson for Lidl Ireland, said in a statement, adding that the company wanted to support girls and women as a “family retailer.”

Activists welcomed the move as a sign that big businesses can strengthen campaigns to end “period poverty” — in which circumstances, financial or otherwise, leave those who menstruate without access to sanitary products.

The step by a major retailer to provide free sanitary products is a “game-changer,” said Claire Hunt, founder of Homeless Period Ireland, a volunteer organization that partnered with Lidl Ireland on the initiative.

She said the move sent a “positive message” that has even greater significance given the financial strain caused by the pandemic.

“If you’re experiencing food poverty or fuel poverty, you’re inevitably going to experience period poverty, too,” Hunt said.

Under the initiative, announced Monday, customers can claim a free box of sanitary pads or tampons each month beginning in May by downloading a coupon in the retailer’s app.

Lidl, a German-owned discount retailer, said it would also donate free period products to the Simon Communities of Ireland, a network of homelessness charities, and to Ladies Gaelic Football Association clubs across the country.

Neighboring Britain has also taken strides to address the issue of period poverty, particularly in Scotland, which in November became the first country to enact legislation making period products available free of charge to those who need them. In January, Britain’s government abolished a tax that classified sanitary products as nonessential, a charge that had been denounced as sexist. Schools across England and Wales offer period products, and Northern Ireland adopted a similar program last year.

In Ireland, about half of girls ages 12-19 reported occasionally struggling to afford sanitary products, according to a 2018 survey by the children’s charity Plan International.

And although campaigners called the involvement of a big retailer promising, they said more still needed to be done to address the underlying issues of poverty and to provide young people with better education on menstruation.

“If anything, it just opens conversations, and that’s the important thing,” Hunt said. “This is a dignity issue.”

Campaigners elsewhere agree.

Gabby Edlin, CEO of Bloody Good Period, a charity in Britain that provides and campaigns for free period products, said it was a symbol of change that businesses were getting involved.

“Nobody should be going into debt or struggling for money for something that is an essential part of human life,” she said.

As broader recognition has emerged of the cost of essential period products, governments around the world have taken strides to address the issue of “period poverty.

As broader recognition has emerged of the cost of essential period products, governments around the world have taken strides to address the issue of “period poverty.” Scotland last year passed legislation ensuring that the products are available for free to all who need them, and students in New Zealand will soon be able to get free menstrual products in schools. Now, retailers are getting involved. In Ireland, the supermarket chain Lidl will offer free period products in its stores across the country — the first major retailer to make period products available for free nationwide. The initiative comes as the Irish government is discussing a bill that would enshrine free period products for all into law, similar to a measure in neighboring Scotland. “The guiding principle of this initiative is the inherent respect for the dignity of all those concerned,” Aoife Clarke, a spokesperson for Lidl Ireland, said in a statement, adding that the company wanted to support girls and women as a “family retailer.” Activists welcomed the move as a sign that big businesses can strengthen campaigns to end “period poverty” — in which circumstances, financial or otherwise, leave those who menstruate without access to sanitary products. The step by a major retailer to provide free sanitary products is a “game-changer,” said Claire Hunt, founder of Homeless Period Ireland, a volunteer organization that partnered with Lidl Ireland on the initiative. She said the move sent a “positive message” that has even greater significance given the financial strain caused by the pandemic. “If you’re experiencing food poverty or fuel poverty, you’re inevitably going to experience period poverty, too,” Hunt said. Under the initiative, announced Monday, customers can claim a free box of sanitary pads or tampons each month beginning in May by downloading a coupon in the retailer’s app. Lidl, a German-owned discount retailer, said it would also donate free period products to the Simon Communities of Ireland, a network of homelessness charities, and to Ladies Gaelic Football Association clubs across the country. Neighboring Britain has also taken strides to address the issue of period poverty, particularly in Scotland, which in November became the first country to enact legislation making period products available free of charge to those who need them. In January, Britain’s government abolished a tax that classified sanitary products as nonessential, a charge that had been denounced as sexist. Schools across England and Wales offer period products, and Northern Ireland adopted a similar program last year. In Ireland, about half of girls ages 12-19 reported occasionally struggling to afford sanitary products, according to a 2018 survey by the children’s charity Plan International. And although campaigners called the involvement of a big retailer promising, they said more still needed to be done to address the underlying issues of poverty and to provide young people with better education on menstruation. “If anything, it just opens conversations, and that’s the important thing,” Hunt said. “This is a dignity issue.” Campaigners elsewhere agree. Gabby Edlin, CEO of Bloody Good Period, a charity in Britain that provides and campaigns for free period products, said it was a symbol of change that businesses were getting involved. “Nobody should be going into debt or struggling for money for something that is an essential part of human life,” she said.

In Ireland, a grocery chain addresses 'period poverty' with free products

The European Union amended its controversial measures seeking to limit exports to Northern Ireland.

European Union rows back on Irish border vaccine controls

An Irish government report has revealed that around 9,000 children died in Ireland's church-run homes.

Gravitas: 9000 babies dead in Irish Church Homes

A government-commissioned report released Tuesday found a shocking number of deaths and widespread abuses at religious institutions in Ireland for unwed mothers and their children.

The report, the culmination of a six-year investigation, detailed some 9,000 deaths of children at 14 of the country’s so-called mother and baby homes and four county homes over several decades, a mortality rate far higher than the rest of the population. The institutions, where unmarried women and girls were sent to give birth in secrecy and were pressured to give their children up for adoption, were also responsible for unethical vaccine trials and traumatic emotional abuse, the report found.

Ireland’s leader, or Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, at a news conference said the report outlined an “a dark, difficult and shameful chapter” of the country’s past, acknowledging significant failures by the state, society and church.

Survivors of the homes say urgent action by the state is needed, and many say the Roman Catholic Church, which ran the homes, needs to be held more fully accountable.

The Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors said it was disappointed in the “fundamentally incomplete” nature of the final report.

The church had been silent on the issue in the past, but late Tuesday, Eamon Martin, the archbishop of Armagh and the head of the Irish Catholic Church, issued an apology. The church, he said, was clearly part of a culture in which people “were frequently stigmatized, judged and rejected.”

Martin and the country’s minister for children, Roderic O’Gorman, spoke with survivors earlier in the afternoon by video to discuss the contents of the report, which is more than 3,000 pages. Martin said he would issue an official state apology in front of Parliament on Wednesday, and O’Gorman pledged that the government was committed to working with survivors.

Mother and baby homes were run by religious orders, starting in the 1920s, and funded by the Irish government. The last of the facilities was closed in 1998.

The commission focused on 18 institutions between 1922 to 1998 and was set up after reports emerged that the remains of nearly 800 babies and children were interred in an unmarked mass grave at a home run by nuns in the town of Tuam in County Galway.

A government-commissioned report released Tuesday found a shocking number of deaths and widespread abuses at religious institutions in Ireland for unwed mothers and their children.

A government-commissioned report released Tuesday found a shocking number of deaths and widespread abuses at religious institutions in Ireland for unwed mothers and their children. The report, the culmination of a six-year investigation, detailed some 9,000 deaths of children at 14 of the country’s so-called mother and baby homes and four county homes over several decades, a mortality rate far higher than the rest of the population. The institutions, where unmarried women and girls were sent to give birth in secrecy and were pressured to give their children up for adoption, were also responsible for unethical vaccine trials and traumatic emotional abuse, the report found. Ireland’s leader, or Taoiseach, Micheal Martin, at a news conference said the report outlined an “a dark, difficult and shameful chapter” of the country’s past, acknowledging significant failures by the state, society and church. Survivors of the homes say urgent action by the state is needed, and many say the Roman Catholic Church, which ran the homes, needs to be held more fully accountable. The Coalition of Mother and Baby Home Survivors said it was disappointed in the “fundamentally incomplete” nature of the final report. The church had been silent on the issue in the past, but late Tuesday, Eamon Martin, the archbishop of Armagh and the head of the Irish Catholic Church, issued an apology. The church, he said, was clearly part of a culture in which people “were frequently stigmatized, judged and rejected.” Martin and the country’s minister for children, Roderic O’Gorman, spoke with survivors earlier in the afternoon by video to discuss the contents of the report, which is more than 3,000 pages. Martin said he would issue an official state apology in front of Parliament on Wednesday, and O’Gorman pledged that the government was committed to working with survivors. Mother and baby homes were run by religious orders, starting in the 1920s, and funded by the Irish government. The last of the facilities was closed in 1998. The commission focused on 18 institutions between 1922 to 1998 and was set up after reports emerged that the remains of nearly 800 babies and children were interred in an unmarked mass grave at a home run by nuns in the town of Tuam in County Galway.

Report gives glimpse into horrors of Ireland’s mother and baby homes

Ireland was one of the countries which reported cases of the new variant of coronavirus — first identified in the UK. The neighbouring country of the UK had also reported three new cases of the other strain of the coronavirus from South Africa.

A state of panic had taken over the country after the new strains were reported. However, the health experts in Ireland have now assured the locals that the new strains have successfully been contained in the country.

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Cases of the new variant of South Africa&nbsp;had been reported in Ireland on Friday after three people had travelled to Ireland from South Africa during the Christmas holidays.

"The UK variant is of more concern to us purely because of the amount of virus that’s on the island, and we know that it’s transmitting in the community,"&nbsp;Cillian De Gascun, the head of Ireland’s national virus laboratory told the local media. "The good thing about the South African variant is we know exactly where those cases came from, they have been contained, controlled and contact traced, and to the best of my knowledge there was no onward transmission."

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Ireland had observed a surge in coronavirus cases which exceeded last year's first wave. Since the identification of the new variant in the UK, Ireland has reported nearly 25 per cent positive cases which have then further been tested. This has increased from a previous nine per cent rate two weeks before January 03.

Since the identification of the new strains, Ireland has announced another strict lockdown urging people to stay indoors to make sure another "tsunami" of coronavirus cases does not pile up due to the new variants.

Ireland hospitals have also urged the government to increase funding as the Intensive Care Units (ICU) are struggling to meet the rising demands with a surge in coronavirus cases.

Ireland was one of the countries which reported cases of the new variant of coronavirus — first identified in the UK. The neighbouring country of the UK had also reported three new cases of the other strain of the coronavirus from South Africa.

Ireland was one of the countries which reported cases of the new variant of coronavirus — first identified in the UK. The neighbouring country of the UK had also reported three new cases of the other strain of the coronavirus from South Africa. A state of panic had taken over the country after the new strains were reported. However, the health experts in Ireland have now assured the locals that the new strains have successfully been contained in the country. Also read| Cancer doctor in US voids bills worth over $600,000 Cases of the new variant of South Africa had been reported in Ireland on Friday after three people had travelled to Ireland from South Africa during the Christmas holidays. "The UK variant is of more concern to us purely because of the amount of virus that’s on the island, and we know that it’s transmitting in the community," Cillian De Gascun, the head of Ireland’s national virus laboratory told the local media. "The good thing about the South African variant is we know exactly where those cases came from, they have been contained, controlled and contact traced, and to the best of my knowledge there was no onward transmission." Also read| England goes into lockdown again as new coronavirus strain cases surge Ireland had observed a surge in coronavirus cases which exceeded last year's first wave. Since the identification of the new variant in the UK, Ireland has reported nearly 25 per cent positive cases which have then further been tested. This has increased from a previous nine per cent rate two weeks before January 03. Since the identification of the new strains, Ireland has announced another strict lockdown urging people to stay indoors to make sure another "tsunami" of coronavirus cases does not pile up due to the new variants. Ireland hospitals have also urged the government to increase funding as the Intensive Care Units (ICU) are struggling to meet the rising demands with a surge in coronavirus cases.

New strain of coronavirus under control: Ireland health experts

RTÉ, Ireland's state broadcaster has issued an apology after it received severe criticism for airing a comedy sketch that depicted God as a rapist.&nbsp; 
 
A countdown show on New Year's eve on the channel included a mock new report about God being the latest known personality to get implicated in a sexual harassment scandal.&nbsp; 
 
“The 5bn-year-old stood accused of forcing himself on a young Middle Eastern migrant and allegedly impregnating her against her will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended,” said the newsreader. 
 
“Following the news, movie producer Harvey Weinstein requested a retrial in Ireland.” 
 
The segment was presented by Waterford Whispers News- a satirical news website. The clip was 23 seconds long but prompted over 1000 complaint to RTÉ and was condemned by Ireland's Catholic primate archbishop, Eamon Martin.&nbsp;

Martin took to Twitter and demanded that the clip be pulled down.&nbsp; 
 
“This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and denounced by all people of goodwill,” he tweeted. 
 
“To broadcast such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during the Christmas season … is insulting to all Catholics and Christians."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
1. I am shocked that producer/editor of 'NYE Countdown Show' <a href="https://twitter.com/rte?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RTEOne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RTEOne</a> didn’t realise how deeply offensive was a mocking 'news report' accusing God of rape &amp; reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately &amp; denounced by all people of goodwill.
— Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) <a href="https://twitter.com/ArchbishopEamon/status/1345055042932510721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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While responding to the complaints, RTÉ apologised and said it would reply according to statutory rules. The channel, however, did not promise to remove the sketch from the RTÉ player.&nbsp; 
 
In a statement, RTÉ apologised and said it would respond to complaints according to statutory rules. It did not promise to remove the sketch from the RTÉ Player. 
 
“RTÉ recognises that matters which can cause offence naturally differ from person to person, within comedy and satire in particular. Having reviewed the feedback and complaints received up to this point, RTÉ wishes to apologise to those who were offended by the segment.” 
 
Meanwhile, a group called Atheist Ireland defended the broadcaster’s right to transmit material deemed offensive and cited a 2018 referendum that removed a prohibition on blasphemy from the constitution. 
 
The last prosecution for blasphemy in Ireland was in 1855 when a priest who accidentally burned a Bible was prosecuted and later acquitted.&nbsp; 
 
In 2015 Stephen Fry had faced similar heat when he described God as “capricious”, “mean-minded”, and an “utter maniac” on TV.&nbsp; 
The police had to investigate the comedian's comments and eventually charges were dropped after deciding insufficient numbers of people had been outraged. 
 
Once deemed as a conservative society which was deeply linked to the Catholic church, Ireland has in recent years turned secular and liberal with the legalisation of gay marriage and abortion in popular votes.&nbsp;

RTÉ, Ireland's state broadcaster has issued an apology after it received severe criticism for airing a comedy sketch that depicted God as a rapist. A countdown show on New Year's eve on the channel included a mock new report about God being the latest known personality to get implicated in a sexual harassment scandal.

RTÉ, Ireland's state broadcaster has issued an apology after it received severe criticism for airing a comedy sketch that depicted God as a rapist. A countdown show on New Year's eve on the channel included a mock new report about God being the latest known personality to get implicated in a sexual harassment scandal. “The 5bn-year-old stood accused of forcing himself on a young Middle Eastern migrant and allegedly impregnating her against her will, before being sentenced to two years in prison, with the last 24 months suspended,” said the newsreader. “Following the news, movie producer Harvey Weinstein requested a retrial in Ireland.” The segment was presented by Waterford Whispers News- a satirical news website. The clip was 23 seconds long but prompted over 1000 complaint to RTÉ and was condemned by Ireland's Catholic primate archbishop, Eamon Martin. Martin took to Twitter and demanded that the clip be pulled down. “This outrageous clip should be removed immediately and denounced by all people of goodwill,” he tweeted. “To broadcast such a deeply offensive and blasphemous clip about God and Our Blessed Mother Mary during the Christmas season … is insulting to all Catholics and Christians." 1. I am shocked that producer/editor of 'NYE Countdown Show' @RTE @RTEOne didn’t realise how deeply offensive was a mocking 'news report' accusing God of rape & reporting his imprisonment. This outrageous clip should be removed immediately & denounced by all people of goodwill. — Eamon Martin (@ArchbishopEamon) January 1, 2021 × While responding to the complaints, RTÉ apologised and said it would reply according to statutory rules. The channel, however, did not promise to remove the sketch from the RTÉ player. In a statement, RTÉ apologised and said it would respond to complaints according to statutory rules. It did not promise to remove the sketch from the RTÉ Player. “RTÉ recognises that matters which can cause offence naturally differ from person to person, within comedy and satire in particular. Having reviewed the feedback and complaints received up to this point, RTÉ wishes to apologise to those who were offended by the segment.” Meanwhile, a group called Atheist Ireland defended the broadcaster’s right to transmit material deemed offensive and cited a 2018 referendum that removed a prohibition on blasphemy from the constitution. The last prosecution for blasphemy in Ireland was in 1855 when a priest who accidentally burned a Bible was prosecuted and later acquitted. In 2015 Stephen Fry had faced similar heat when he described God as “capricious”, “mean-minded”, and an “utter maniac” on TV. The police had to investigate the comedian's comments and eventually charges were dropped after deciding insufficient numbers of people had been outraged. Once deemed as a conservative society which was deeply linked to the Catholic church, Ireland has in recent years turned secular and liberal with the legalisation of gay marriage and abortion in popular votes.

Ireland's state broadcaster issue apology after a comic segment calls God a rapist

Britain's 'Iron lady'&nbsp;Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head".

The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government.

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"In talking of a single currency, [Jacques] Delors must have had a rush of blood to the head," she said blasting at the then-European Union leader Jacques Delors. "We are not going to have a single currency."

The archives released date back to June 1990 when Thatcher was in conversation with&nbsp;Irish taoiseach Charles Haughey, where she described Delors as a "mere appointee".

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As per the papers, Thatcher wanted the European Commission to turn into a&nbsp;professional civil service with the aim of providing service to the ministers representing the governments, rather than taking initiatives.

She was apparently also against the European Court allegedly giving more power to the commission. "The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered. We must give power to the council of ministers," she said. "I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy … I am getting completely fed up with the European community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations."

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The Irish counterpart, Haughey, also alleged the commission of contacting the Irish local authorities and inviting them for a 'talk' in Brussels. "They are going behind the back of the government," he alleged.

Thatcher admitted that the commission was needed "to start off" but also believed that it has now become a "totally non-democratic power structure" and strongly opposed the idea of the&nbsp;European police force.

She had also made clear that she would not accept a&nbsp;central bank of the then 12 EU member states and would rather work with&nbsp;deutschmark to keep inflation down, as the Germans had&nbsp;experience of inflation and still kept its currency like a gold standard.

"They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up. All we want is an effective gold standard and the deutschmark provides us with that," she said.

Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head". The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government.

Britain's 'Iron lady' Margaret Thatcher believed the European Commission's plan for a single currency in the European Union was a "rush of blood to the head". The thoughts of Thatcher were revealed after the Irish government released 30-years-old archives in which the Tory leader's thoughts on the 'politburo' in Brussels has been recorded during a conversation with her Irish government. Also read| Johnson sold out fish stocks in new Brexit deal, claim British fishermen "In talking of a single currency, [Jacques] Delors must have had a rush of blood to the head," she said blasting at the then-European Union leader Jacques Delors. "We are not going to have a single currency." The archives released date back to June 1990 when Thatcher was in conversation with Irish taoiseach Charles Haughey, where she described Delors as a "mere appointee". Also read| Full post-Brexit text goes beyond a 'Canada-style' deal, report says As per the papers, Thatcher wanted the European Commission to turn into a professional civil service with the aim of providing service to the ministers representing the governments, rather than taking initiatives. She was apparently also against the European Court allegedly giving more power to the commission. "The days of appointed commissioners must be numbered. We must give power to the council of ministers," she said. "I am not handing over authority to a non-elected bureaucracy … I am getting completely fed up with the European community trying to tie us up with bureaucratic regulations." Also read| Brexit is finally done, but it already seems out of date The Irish counterpart, Haughey, also alleged the commission of contacting the Irish local authorities and inviting them for a 'talk' in Brussels. "They are going behind the back of the government," he alleged. Thatcher admitted that the commission was needed "to start off" but also believed that it has now become a "totally non-democratic power structure" and strongly opposed the idea of the European police force. She had also made clear that she would not accept a central bank of the then 12 EU member states and would rather work with deutschmark to keep inflation down, as the Germans had experience of inflation and still kept its currency like a gold standard. "They would think of economic growth and jobs and inflation as equal objectives and mix them all up. All we want is an effective gold standard and the deutschmark provides us with that," she said.

Margaret Thatcher said no to Euro as 'one currency', Irish archives reveal

Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday.

"Delighted to report that I have just signed the regulation authorising the use of the Pfizer vaccine in Ireland. The first delivery will be St Stephen`s Day, first vaccinations December 30," Donnelly said on Twitter.

Saint Stephen`s Day is celebrated on December 26. On Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced new restrictions that took effect on Thursday and will last through January 12, which will include shutting down restaurants, pubs, museums, galleries and libraries, while gyms and pools will be opened only for individual training. Movement between the Irish counties will be banned after Saturday

Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday.

Ireland has approved the use of the COVID-19 vaccine by Pfizer and BioNTech, with first delivery expected as early as December 26, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly said Friday, adding that the vaccination campaign will start next Wednesday. "Delighted to report that I have just signed the regulation authorising the use of the Pfizer vaccine in Ireland. The first delivery will be St Stephen`s Day, first vaccinations December 30," Donnelly said on Twitter. Saint Stephen`s Day is celebrated on December 26. On Tuesday, Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin announced new restrictions that took effect on Thursday and will last through January 12, which will include shutting down restaurants, pubs, museums, galleries and libraries, while gyms and pools will be opened only for individual training. Movement between the Irish counties will be banned after Saturday

Ireland approves use of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, rollout to begin on Dec 30

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’.

Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.&nbsp;

In the film, fisherman Colmán Sharkey takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier in the Napoleonic wars, arrives just ahead of “the blight” that eventually wipes out the country’s potato crop, leading to the death and displacement of millions. Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity, until he encounters an abandoned young girl who gives him a reason to live. But Colmán cannot escape the darkness of his past.

The Oscar film stars Dónall Ó Héalai, alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Read more Oscar related stories <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/oscars">here.</a>

The film world premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and won two Irish Academy Awards at this year’s virtual IFTA ceremony.

<h2><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/oscars-2021-all-international-feature-films-submissions-so-far-340783" hreflang="en">Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far</a></h2>

On the Oscar entry, the film’s director, Tom Sullivan said, “I am overjoyed with the news that ‘Arracht’ has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s best international film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.”

The 93rd Academy Awards will take place on April 25, 2021.

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Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’. Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine.

Ireland has chosen its pick for Oscars 2021 Best International Feature Film category and it is ‘Arracht’. Tom Sullivan’s Irish-language feature ‘Arracht’ is set in 1845 on the eve of the Irish famine. In the film, fisherman Colmán Sharkey takes in a stranger at the behest of a local priest. Patsy, a former soldier in the Napoleonic wars, arrives just ahead of “the blight” that eventually wipes out the country’s potato crop, leading to the death and displacement of millions. Patsy’s subsequent actions set Colmán on a path that will take him to the edge of survival, and sanity, until he encounters an abandoned young girl who gives him a reason to live. But Colmán cannot escape the darkness of his past. The Oscar film stars Dónall Ó Héalai, alongside Dara Devaney, Michael McElhatton, and newcomer Saise Ní Chúinn. Read more Oscar related stories here. The film world premiered at the 2019 Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, and won two Irish Academy Awards at this year’s virtual IFTA ceremony. Oscars 2021: All International Feature Films submissions so far On the Oscar entry, the film’s director, Tom Sullivan said, “I am overjoyed with the news that ‘Arracht’ has been chosen by the IFTA selection committee to represent Ireland in the Oscar’s best international film category. This is recognition of the team’s work and dedication and to be considered on this level is a huge honor and beyond exciting. It’s been a funny old year to be in the film business but the support ‘Arracht’ has received from everyone has really kept us going.” The 93rd Academy Awards will take place on April 25, 2021. Fans accuse Jennifer Lopez of copying Beyonce during her performance at the AMAs

Ireland picks ‘Arracht’ for Oscars' International Feature Film category

Britain and the European Union have a week to 10 days to find a way to unlock trade talks, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday, after both sides called on the other to move their position on two of the most troublesome areas.

The trade talks resume on Monday in Brussels after there was little movement on the most contentious areas -- so-called "level playing field" fair competition rules and fisheries --last week when the two sides missed the latest mid-November deadline.

The United Kingdom left the EU in January but the sides are struggling to clinch a deal that would govern nearly 1 trillion dollars in annual trade before transitional arrangements end on Dec. 31.

"We really are in the last week to 10 days of this, if there is not a major breakthrough over the next week to 10 days then

I think we really are in trouble and the focus will shift to preparing for a no trade deal and all the disruption that that brings," Coveney told Ireland`s Newstalk radio station.

"I think the British government understand only too well that`s required for a deal this week, the real question is whether the political appetite is there to do it. I think we will (get a deal), that`s been my prediction for a while but I won`t be shocked if it all falls apart."

British officials repeatedly say any deal must respect the country`s sovereignty but the EU says the proximity of Britain to the bloc means Brussels cannot hand it a trade deal similar to those it has agreed with countries such as Canada.

"Our red lines haven`t changed and we`re preparing for whatever the outcome is," Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News. "Of course our preference is to get a deal and that is open to the Europeans if they choose to make the progress that`s needed."

The two sides remain deadlocked over two main areas: the level playing field and fisheries, a sector laden with symbolism for Brexit supporters in Britain.

Both sides have called on each other to shift position for the breakthrough needed to secure a deal and offer businesses clarity on what happens at the beginning of next year.

A senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two sides were "still a bit too far away to be able to feel comfortable", repeating that Britain needed to make a choice because "the timetable is very tight".

Britain`s chief negotiator, David Frost, said on Sunday there had been some progress over recent days and that the two sides had common draft treaty texts though significant elements were yet to be agreed.

"We may not succeed," Frost said. "We are working to get a deal, but the only one that`s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade, and our waters."

Britain and the European Union have a week to 10 days to find a way to unlock trade talks, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday, after both sides called on the other to move their position on two of the most troublesome areas.

Britain and the European Union have a week to 10 days to find a way to unlock trade talks, Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said on Monday, after both sides called on the other to move their position on two of the most troublesome areas. The trade talks resume on Monday in Brussels after there was little movement on the most contentious areas -- so-called "level playing field" fair competition rules and fisheries --last week when the two sides missed the latest mid-November deadline. The United Kingdom left the EU in January but the sides are struggling to clinch a deal that would govern nearly 1 trillion dollars in annual trade before transitional arrangements end on Dec. 31. "We really are in the last week to 10 days of this, if there is not a major breakthrough over the next week to 10 days then I think we really are in trouble and the focus will shift to preparing for a no trade deal and all the disruption that that brings," Coveney told Ireland`s Newstalk radio station. "I think the British government understand only too well that`s required for a deal this week, the real question is whether the political appetite is there to do it. I think we will (get a deal), that`s been my prediction for a while but I won`t be shocked if it all falls apart." British officials repeatedly say any deal must respect the country`s sovereignty but the EU says the proximity of Britain to the bloc means Brussels cannot hand it a trade deal similar to those it has agreed with countries such as Canada. "Our red lines haven`t changed and we`re preparing for whatever the outcome is," Health Secretary Matt Hancock told Sky News. "Of course our preference is to get a deal and that is open to the Europeans if they choose to make the progress that`s needed." The two sides remain deadlocked over two main areas: the level playing field and fisheries, a sector laden with symbolism for Brexit supporters in Britain. Both sides have called on each other to shift position for the breakthrough needed to secure a deal and offer businesses clarity on what happens at the beginning of next year. A senior EU diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the two sides were "still a bit too far away to be able to feel comfortable", repeating that Britain needed to make a choice because "the timetable is very tight". Britain`s chief negotiator, David Frost, said on Sunday there had been some progress over recent days and that the two sides had common draft treaty texts though significant elements were yet to be agreed. "We may not succeed," Frost said. "We are working to get a deal, but the only one that`s possible is one that is compatible with our sovereignty and takes back control of our laws, our trade, and our waters."

Britain and EU have 7-10 days to find Brexit breakthrough, Ireland says

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin:

- Dublin did last deal -

The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day.

Few at the time gave their meeting at a wedding venue near Liverpool a chance, but the two men found the elusive "pathway" to the deal that was completed in Brussels later in October 2019.

- Only land border -

The island of Ireland is split in two, with Northern Ireland part of the UK. The frontier with the Republic of Ireland is EU's only land border with the UK.

In the event of a hard Brexit, it will become the EU's new external border.

Any unruly British exit could cause havoc along the extremely porous 499-kilometre (310 mile) frontier -- long infamous for smuggling -- and compromise the European single market.

- Anglo-Irish Agreement -

Some argue that a hard Brexit would break the agreements that brought the violence of Northern Ireland's 30-year Troubles to an end.

The EU helped hugely to make peace possible.

But the 1997 treaty says very little about a hard border, even if many agree it would go against its spirit.

Fearful that customs checkpoints could reignite violence, both the EU and Britain have repeatedly pledged to avoid such a demarcation.

- Joe Biden -

The US president-elect -- who is fiercely proud of his Irish roots -- has taken a very dim view of Brexit.&nbsp;

When Johnson said in September that Britain would break parts of the existing withdrawal treaty with the bloc, Biden warned it would jeopardise a US-UK trade deal.

"We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit," he tweeted.

"Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period."

One side of Biden's Irish family comes from an area near the border on the Cooley peninsula.

- 'Creative ambiguity' -

London and Dublin are used to solving seemingly intractable problems -- like the Troubles -- with this age-old diplomatic device.

After British hopes evaporated that the EU would "throw Ireland under the bus" when push came to shove, Dublin seemed to have the diplomatic edge.&nbsp;

Ireland is the member hardest hit by Brexit and the EU has stoutly defended Dublin's position.&nbsp;

With little sign of an end to the latest stalemate, a dose of the Anglo-Irish creative ambiguity that delivered the last deal may be called for yet again.

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin: - Dublin did last deal - The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day.

With talks between Britain and the EU in deadlock on a post-Brexit trade deal, we look at why so many roads to a settlement go through Dublin: - Dublin did last deal - The last time Britain looked like crashing out with a no-deal hard Brexit on Halloween Night last year, it was talks between British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his then Irish opposite number Leo Varadkar that saved the day. Few at the time gave their meeting at a wedding venue near Liverpool a chance, but the two men found the elusive "pathway" to the deal that was completed in Brussels later in October 2019. - Only land border - The island of Ireland is split in two, with Northern Ireland part of the UK. The frontier with the Republic of Ireland is EU's only land border with the UK. In the event of a hard Brexit, it will become the EU's new external border. Any unruly British exit could cause havoc along the extremely porous 499-kilometre (310 mile) frontier -- long infamous for smuggling -- and compromise the European single market. - Anglo-Irish Agreement - Some argue that a hard Brexit would break the agreements that brought the violence of Northern Ireland's 30-year Troubles to an end. The EU helped hugely to make peace possible. But the 1997 treaty says very little about a hard border, even if many agree it would go against its spirit. Fearful that customs checkpoints could reignite violence, both the EU and Britain have repeatedly pledged to avoid such a demarcation. - Joe Biden - The US president-elect -- who is fiercely proud of his Irish roots -- has taken a very dim view of Brexit. When Johnson said in September that Britain would break parts of the existing withdrawal treaty with the bloc, Biden warned it would jeopardise a US-UK trade deal. "We can't allow the Good Friday Agreement that brought peace to Northern Ireland to become a casualty of Brexit," he tweeted. "Any trade deal between the US and UK must be contingent upon respect for the Agreement and preventing the return of a hard border. Period." One side of Biden's Irish family comes from an area near the border on the Cooley peninsula. - 'Creative ambiguity' - London and Dublin are used to solving seemingly intractable problems -- like the Troubles -- with this age-old diplomatic device. After British hopes evaporated that the EU would "throw Ireland under the bus" when push came to shove, Dublin seemed to have the diplomatic edge. Ireland is the member hardest hit by Brexit and the EU has stoutly defended Dublin's position. With little sign of an end to the latest stalemate, a dose of the Anglo-Irish creative ambiguity that delivered the last deal may be called for yet again.

Five reasons why Ireland is key to a Brexit deal

Joe Biden's ancestral village in Ireland on Sunday held a parade to celebrate his victory in the US presidential election. Residents of Carlingford, County Louth, waved American and Irish flags while a local pipe band played a special new anthem called 'Our Local Joe'.

Irish village linked to Biden celebrates his win

Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland.

West Ham United's Rice was capped three times by Ireland, while Aston Villa's Grealish and Everton's Keane both played for Ireland's youth teams before committing their future to England.

The trio will now prepare to face Ireland for the first time since their switch after being named in England's squad for the upcoming friendly.

"...I think the three boys we have with us, they look as if they can have good international careers and we're just focusing on that part of it, really," Southgate told British media.

"We've got a lot of these situations. We played Wales last month and they had a couple of players who were with us as youngsters: Tyler Roberts and Ethan Ampadu. We didn't want to lose them.

"I think everybody is facing these challenges with dual nationality players. We've always got to get the balance right of not capping them too early and just to stop them going somewhere else."

England face Ireland on Nov. 12 before playing Nations League A Group 2 games against Belgium on November&nbsp;15 and Iceland on November&nbsp;18.

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Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland.

Gareth Southgate has backed midfielders Declan Rice and Jack Grealish, and defender Michael Keane to have successful England careers after switching their allegiance from Ireland. West Ham United's Rice was capped three times by Ireland, while Aston Villa's Grealish and Everton's Keane both played for Ireland's youth teams before committing their future to England. The trio will now prepare to face Ireland for the first time since their switch after being named in England's squad for the upcoming friendly. "...I think the three boys we have with us, they look as if they can have good international careers and we're just focusing on that part of it, really," Southgate told British media. "We've got a lot of these situations. We played Wales last month and they had a couple of players who were with us as youngsters: Tyler Roberts and Ethan Ampadu. We didn't want to lose them. "I think everybody is facing these challenges with dual nationality players. We've always got to get the balance right of not capping them too early and just to stop them going somewhere else." England face Ireland on Nov. 12 before playing Nations League A Group 2 games against Belgium on November 15 and Iceland on November 18.

Southgate backs England trio to shine after switch from Ireland

Ireland will be the first EU country to return to coronavirus lockdown, prime minister Micheal Martin said Monday, issuing a nationwide "stay at home".

Ireland to re-enter lockdown as COVID-19 surges in Europe

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