Morning top 5: Irish debt warning; ICTU recovery plan; and NPHET advice
by Jack QuannThere is a warning Ireland's debt could return to near record levels due to COVID-19.
The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council says it could reach 160% of gross national income - up from 99% in 2019.
In its latest financial assessment, it also warns it could take up to three and a half years for the economy to return to pre-crisis levels.
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Adopting austerity measures in the wake of COVID-19 would be socially indefensible and economically ill-judged.
That is the message from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU), which is publishing its plan for Ireland post-pandemic.
It includes massive investment in public housing, a reformed social security system and free universal public healthcare.
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Visits to nursing homes may return sooner than planned.
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) says its aware of the impact the visitation ban is having on resident's mental health.
Outdoor visits while maintaining social distancing is one of the options being considered.
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Spain is beginning 10 days of mourning to honour those who have died from COVID-19.
The country is one of the worst hit by the virus in Europe with nearly 30,000 deaths.
Flags will fly at half mast over all of the country's public buildings and on its navy ships.
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An investigation is under way after one of Ana Kriegel's killers was allegedly assaulted in Oberstown Detention Centre in Dublin over the weekend.
Boy A was handed a life sentence last November for murder and aggravated sexual assault, with a review to take place after twelve years.
Boy B was also found guilty of her murder, but is in the process of appealing his conviction.
Gardaí are investigating an alleged assault on Boy A.