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

IRELAND

Pfizer announced it intends to cut 100 jobs in its plant in Newbridge, Co Kildare. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

• The Central Criminal Court heard the closing speeches in trial of man accused of murdering Ashling Murphy.
• Revised law allowing night clubs to open later will go to Cabinet this month with a summer 2024 target.
• A judge directed Children’s Health Ireland to provide all records of child who underwent ‘botched’ spinal surgery.
• Pfizer announced it is to cut 100 jobs at its Newbridge plant as it scales down Covid-19 vaccine production.
• Dublin City councillors clashed over next steps after failed ‘peace flag’ motion last night created confusion.
• Taoiseach Leo Varadkar was told that Ireland must take action on Israel by Social Democrats TD Catherine Connolly.
• Former Fine Gael TD Maria Bailey received apology from the Mirror Newspapers group publisher over 2019 ‘swing-gate’ articles their tabloids published.
• Education minister Norma Foley outlined the Department’s new smartphone policy for primary schools.

THE WORLD

Portuguese PM Antonio Costa (pictured) leaving a press conference after announcing his resignation. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

#GAZA Gazans fled south today with makeshift white flags as Israeli bombardment continued.

#UK The British Government agreed to grant new oil and gas licences in North Sea annually despite climate change regulations.

#CHINA Irish Beef exports to China have been suspended after case of Atypical BSE was discovered in Irish cow.

#PORTUGAL Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa resigned today following corruption probe by the state.

PARTING SHOT

Tánaiste Micheál Martin met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in Bejing earlier today. Alamy Alamy

Tánaiste Micheál Martin met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, in Bejing earlier today.

Martin travelled to China in order to ask them “use its influence” with Russia to bring an end to the invasion of Ukraine. 

Later it was reported Beef exports to China would be suspended. You can read the full report, by David Mac Redmond, here.