Now that the deadly E. coli outbreak ravaging Germany seems to have waned, questions are being asked about the response to the crisis that killed 36 people and left thousands of others seriously ill.
Authorities in the Netherlands have recalled red beet sprouts as a precautionary measure after discovering a strain of E.coli present in the vegetables. The strain is apparently less dangerous than the one causing Europe’s deadly E. coli crisis.
In today’s Fix: Mladic reacts to “monstrous” charges; Aer Lingus talks continue; new MRSA superbug in Dublin hospitals; and MI6 pull off ‘Operation Cupcake’.
The World Health Organisation has said preliminary tests suggest the wave of E.coli infection affecting Europeans has been caused by a new, mutant form of two different E. coli bacteria.
The head of Germany’s public health body has admitted that that “we may never know” the true source of the contamination, which has now claimed 17 lives.
Nine things you need to know by 9am: Consumers warned to wash their salads as ecoli outbreak spreads; Britain prepares for a heatwave as Ireland gets its woollies out; and why one Booker prize winner believes he’s better than any woman writer.
In today’s Fix: Blatter’s back; Kenny says no plan yet on how much new property and water charges will cost; and a quiz inspired by WikiLeaks and the last Irish cabinet.
The Spanish agriculture sector has been plunged into turmoil, with €200 million being lost each week and thousands of workers laid off in a country already suffering the highest unemployment rate in the EU.
Germany has conceded that Spanish produce is not responsible for a deadly E.coli outbreak that has claimed 16 lives in Europe – but the true source of the contamination remains unknown.
European authorities have warned that the situation is likely to worsen, with 14 people dead in Germany and suspected cases of E.coli infection reported in Sweden, Switzerland, Denmark, the Netherlands and the UK.
Doctors in Germany have found a way to treat some of the most severe cases of the E.coli outbreak. The company that makes the drug is waiving the massive fee for a chance to test it out.
INDEPENDENT TD MICK Wallace is to file a complaint about the Minister for Justice’s use of information on RTÉ’s Prime Time last week.
Alan Shatter said on live television that the Wexford deputy benefited from garda discretion when he was cautioned for using a mobile phone – but not given penalty points. Wallace insists he is not aware of such an incident.
Shatter has stood by his remarks and he has also been backed by the Taoiseach who said that “people can’t have it both ways”. “You cannot be saying no discretion and at the same time availing of discretion.”
Labour Deputy Kevin Humphreys told Newstalk Breakfast this morning that he thought making the remarks was “poor judgement” on the minister’s part. He called on Shatter to explain how he received the information. Others have claimed the information could have been made public in a different manner, and not on live television without giving Wallace prior warning.
In today’s poll, we ask: Should Alan Shatter have made his comments about Mick Wallace on Prime Time?
Sunny intervals with a shower in places
Max: 16 °C
Min: 7 °C
Partial sunshine
Max: 15 °C
Min: 8 °C
