NEED TO CATCH up? TheJournal.ie brings you a round-up of today’s news.

IRELAND

Ballet teacher Niamh O’ Flannagain protesting outside the Dáil as part of a group calling on the government to reopen the performing arts sector. LEAH FARRELL LEAH FARRELL

• A further six people died and 183 Covid-19 cases were confirmed in Ireland, with NPHET saying today’s numbers are likely underreported due to an IT error. 
• The final report of the Commission of Investigation into Mother and Baby Homes will be published next month.
• Gardaí and other investigating agencies are to be given greater powers to tackle economic crime and corruption. 
• A post-Brexit trade deal can be struck within days, Foreign Minister Simon Coveney said.
• HSE CEO Paul Reid has said it is ‘realistic’ that Ireland could start its Covid-19 vaccination programme early in January. 
• Workers in high-risk environments like meat factories could be prioritised for the Covid-19 vaccine when it is rolled out in Ireland.
• The government voting against a motion to pay student nurses and midwives has been described as “cold-hearted” and a “betrayal” that won’t be forgotten.
• Renua was found to be in breach of its statutory obligations by failing to inform the Standards in Public Office Commission (SIPO) how it spent public funding last year.
• People buying tickets for concerts next summer should be aware they will not be entitled to refunds if the events are rescheduled, the Tánaiste has said.
• Sinn Féin said claims made by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar that he has been targeted by supporters of the party with racist and homophobic abuse are “without any foundation”.
• A new umbrella group of public figures and various social justice groups have launched as ‘Le Chéile’ as part of efforts to combat the rise of the far-right in Ireland.  

WORLD

Seal pups on the Fame Islands off the coast of Northumberland in England today. PA PA

#COVID VACCINE: The European Medicines Agency insisted it has the “most appropriate” method to approve a Covid-19 vaccine. 

#BRISTOL: Four people died after a large explosion at a waste water treatment plant in the UK. 

#STOCKHOLM: Swedish prosecutors no longer suspect a woman of holding her son captive in their apartment for decades, saying he had not been held against his will. 

PARTING SHOT