Number Of Covid Cases In Irish Hospitals At Their Lowest In 8 Months

The Taoiseach says half of the adult population will have their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine by next week.

It comes as 99 patients are in hospital with the virus - the lowest figure reported by the Department of Health since September 24th.

Meanwhile the government will begin phasing out pandemic support payments from October, according to the Tanaiste. Leo Varadkar told his parliamentary party last night no changes are likely in the third quarter.
He said a plan for the fourth quarter will be outlined next week.