The top news stories of the morning
At Home: Taoiseach says there's "no guarantee" restrictions will ease on October 22nd
An Taoiseach has stressed that there is "no guarantee" restrictions will be eased on October 22nd.
Micheál Martin confirmed the disease is headed in the wrong direction in Ireland.
The news comes after a rise in cases this week.
He said the rising case numbers are a "matter of concern".
“This is an alert to all of us to knuckle down, refocus on this virus, because it hasn’t gone away,” he said.
“I can’t guarantee (the lifting of restrictions on October 22) right now, but we have to wait for further presentation from Nphet. But no decisions have been made or anything like that," he added.
Gardaí seek public's help in finding missing 43-year-old woman
Gardaí are asking for the public's help in locating a missing 43-year-old woman in Maynooth.
Philomena O’Connor was last seen at 10 am on Tuesday, October 12th. Gardaí and her family are concerned for her welfare.
She has been described as 5"5 with blonde hair and blue eyes. She was last seen wearing jeans and a jumper.
Anyone with information has been asked to contact Gardaí immediately.
Not enough GPS for free under 8 care in Ireland
Doctors have spoken out about the free under 8 GP care plans announced in Budget 2022.
It is understood there are concerns about how well the scheme will work.
A GP representative body confirmed that there are simply not enough GPs in Ireland for free care to work.
“In an ideal situation, that would be wonderful but the problem is we are not in an ideal situation. We don’t actually have enough medical personnel, doctors, or nurses to facilitate that," said Dr. Denis McCauley.
World: 5 killed in bow and arrow attack in Norway
A man has killed five people and injured numerous others in Norway.
It is believed the man murdered five people with a bow and arrow at a supermarket in western Kongsberg.
According to reports, the man shot 70cm arrows into the supermarket on the evening of October 13th.
A police officer is understood to have died during the attack.
Norway Police arrested the suspect after the incident. A terror probe has been launched.
Mayor Kari Anne Sand told Norway's TV 2: "This is a gruesome incident, there is nothing else to say.
She added, "Now we must try to take care of the inhabitants as best we can."
Entertainment: Robert Webb steps down from Strictly due to ill health
Comedian Robert Webb has stepped down from Strictly Come Dancing.
He confirmed he is leaving the show because of his heart condition. Webb had surgery on his heart two years ago and is leaving based on advice from his doctor.
"Two years ago I had open-heart surgery and although I believed I was fit enough to take on Strictly and its demanding schedule, it became clear I had bitten off way more than I could chew for this stage of my recovery," Webb shared.
