As fresh bribery allegations throw the spotlight back on to Qatar, an Irish human rights lawyer has warned that the country’s ‘kafala’ labour system is leading to the exploitation of migrant workers.
Enda Kenny told business leaders in London that he discussed the possibility of a joint trade mission with David Cameron at last night’s State banquet.
Were they not correct to put the business interests of Ireland first? And what about those other human rights abusers Ireland conveniently chooses to ignore?
Enda Kenny has acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s election to the UN Human Rights Council, but the government won’t say if concerns about human rights issues are being raised with leaders there or in Qatar and UAE this week.
Ministers will be travelling to America, Australia, Saudi Arabia and India – amongst others – for Patrick’s Day. Good way to promote Ireland? Or is it just a junket?
Department of Education and Skills says the week-long mission to India headed up by Junior Minister Ciarán Cannon was planned months in advance of the death of Indian dentist Savita Halappanavar in Galway.
Ireland’s trade mission to China has secured 155 per cent increase on its quota for boarfish, which has been described as a “real opportunity and a boost to Irish fishermen and processors”.
THERE ARE A lot of positive noises coming from Government for the potential of a normal summer.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has said indoor and outdoor dining could return and there is advance planning for a reopening in May, June and July.
He said: “It is increasingly evident that outdoor dining is much safer than indoor.
“But we would hope to get to the point where both will be possible.”
Travel outside of the country will likely still be a difficulty but it could see a boom for the Irish hospitality trade as stay at home adventures become a viable option.
Tourism Minister Catherine Martin has said she is working on plans that could allow the tourism industry to re-open this summer for Irish holidaymakers.
Minister Martin said she is cautiously optimistic for the summer.
“I think if we look at where we are right now, for the first time this year there are less than 200 people in hospital, there are less than 50 in ICU. Cases are falling and the R rate is below one,” she said.
Today we’re asking: Are you planning a domestic summer holiday?
Turning cloudy
Max: 11 °C
Min: 3 °C
Cloudy
Max: 13 °C
Min: 5 °C
Mostly cloudy with a couple of showers
Max: 11 °C
Min: 6 °C
