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Czech Republic and Ireland Vote in EU Elections

There are 14 seats up for grabs for Ireland in the European Parliament elections, which are happening at the same time as elections for local office…reports Asian Lite News

Polls open in the Czech Republic and Ireland on Friday for the second day of voting in the continent-wide European Parliament elections, in which around 360 million people can cast their ballot over four days.

In Ireland, opposition party Sinn Fein wants to use the elections to galvanise support ahead of national polls anticipated in the coming year.

“Vote Sinn Fein on Friday as the first step towards a change of government,” party leader Mary Lou McDonald posted during the campaign trail on social media platform X.

“It’s time for new people with new solutions and new ideas at local government and European level. Change starts here,” McDonald added, aiming to tap into public dissatisfaction with public services and housing shortages.

There are 14 seats up for grabs for Ireland in the European Parliament elections, which are happening at the same time as elections for local office.

Public concern about increased numbers of asylum seekers in Ireland has seen a swell of independent candidates emerge, promising tougher immigration policies.

The Czech Republic is holding elections across Friday and Saturday, with 21 seats to be won.

Opposition party ANO is polling at 23.1 per cent, narrowly ahead of the coalition government parties, and may win up to six seats, according to STEM, a Czech polling agency.

However, “the ANO movement is nowhere near the gains we are used to,” STEM analyst Martin Kratochvíl said, attributing this to the typically low Czech turnout – especially among the more eurosceptic opposition – in European Parliament elections.

Emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic with economic growth subdued, shocked by the war in Ukraine, struggling to cope with rising immigration and attempting to face the dangers posed by climate change, these elections are rife with uncertainty about the European Union’s future path.

It is also the first EU election since Britain became the only country ever to formally leave the bloc in 2020.

Netherlands was the first country to vote on Thursday, with Geert Wilders’ far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) in the spotlight, aiming to capitalise on a surge in support.

While Wilders’ party made strong gains and was on track to have secured seven of the 31 Dutch seats in the European Parliament, up from just one, it was edged out by a centre-left Dutch political alliance which won eight seats, according to an exit poll from Thursday evening.

If forecasters’ predictions are correct, far-right parties will do better this time around than ever before, potentially affecting everything from EU migration and climate policy to the choice of the next European Commission president.

Italy, Latvia, Malta, and Slovakia are next to start voting on Saturday, with Italians voting across two days. In the rest of the EU, elections will be held on Sunday, June 9.

Once the votes are counted and politicians are elected to their seats in the European Parliament, the political parties will form into different pan-European groups.

The centre-right European People’s Party (EPP) has been the largest such group for the last 25 years, though no group has ever had a parliamentary majority.

The other current blocs are the centre-left Socialists and Democrats (S&D), the liberal-centrist Renew, the environmentalist Greens, the far-right Identity and Democracy (ID), the less radical but nationalist right-wing European Conservatives and Reformists (ECR) and the radical socialist group, The Left. There are also non-aligned parties and independents.

Once the results are in and the new parliament begins to take shape, EU leaders will gather for an informal summit to start the process of selecting the new commission president, the most powerful executive position in the EU.

Incumbent President Ursula von der Leyen is seeking a second term. To succeed, the German conservative politician first needs the backing of a qualified majority of EU leaders. Then, the European Parliament must approve her nomination by a majority vote.

In 2019, von der Leyen was approved by a margin of just nine votes. With the expected growth of far-right parties in parliament, she may face an even harder challenge holding on to her job this time.

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Irish PM Accuses Israel of Misrepresenting Views

Discussing the reprimand on Thursday, Harris said Irish Ambassador Sonya McGuinness was doing an “excellent” job representing the views of Ireland…reports Asian Lite News

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said on Thursday that Israel is misrepresenting the views of Ireland.

On Wednesday, Ireland announced its recognition of the state of Palestine in a joint move with Norway and Spain.

The decision is to formally take effect in the three countries on Tuesday (May 28).

In response, Israel warned there would be “severe consequences”.

Ireland’s Ambassador in Israel, alongside her Spanish and Norwegian counterparts, was called to the Israeli Foreign Ministry for a reprimand.

As part of a “severe demarche,” the three ambassadors were shown videos of Hamas carrying out kidnappings.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz claimed Ireland and Harris had “rewarded terrorism”.

Discussing the reprimand on Thursday, Harris said Irish Ambassador Sonya McGuinness was doing an “excellent” job representing the views of Ireland.

He said: “Any Foreign Ministry can call in any Ambassador but what I will not tolerate is any country misrepresenting the position of the Irish people.”

“I am the leader of the Irish government, I speak on behalf of Ireland and we have been clear and unequivocal that we condemn Hamas, that we condemn the most horrific, barbaric massacre that Israel experienced on October 7.”

“We call for the unconditional and immediate release of all hostages.”

“But it is entirely possible to say what I have just said and also say the next bit — which sadly some refuse to say — that what is happening in Palestine, what is happening in Gaza, is a humanitarian catastrophe.”

“That children are being starved, are being deprived of food, and that there are children who will go to sleep in Gaza tonight not sure if they will wake in the morning.”

“This situation is not sustainable. It needs to stop.”

“I have no intention of being in any way, shape, or form distracted from the immediate need for a cessation of violence in the Middle East; the need for the release of the hostages for humanitarian aid to flow unimpeded and unhindered; and the need for a peace settlement.”

Speaking on CNN, Harris added: “And I can say this to the people of Israel: We recognise the state of Israel.”

“We recognise the state of Israel’s right to live in peace and security.”

“That is their right. The people of Palestine also must have an equivalent right to peace and security.”

He added: “And let me also say this to the people of Israel. The Irish people know what it’s like to have their national identity hijacked by a terrorist organisation.”

“The IRA (Irish Republican Army) was never the people of Ireland and Hamas is not the people of Palestine.”

Earlier, Harris said the recognition of Palestinian statehood aimed to build a “momentum towards a peace process” with Israel.

Speaking in Dublin on Thursday, the Irish Prime Minister was asked about the warnings issued by Israel.

He said: “I had a very good conversation with the president of Israel (Isaac Herzog) last Friday. It was firm but respectful.”

“We exchanged views and I outlined the Irish position, so I don’t think anyone in the world, least of all Israel, would have been surprised by the decision that Ireland, Norway, and Spain took yesterday.”

“I fundamentally believe that it is the right decision. It is an effort to try and create momentum towards a peace process that may seem far away, but is absolutely and essentially needed.”

“A two-state solution is the only way to bring peace and stability to the people of Israel and the people of Palestine.”

ALSO READ-Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

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Ireland, Norway and Spain recognise Palestinian state

The move has triggered an immediate response from Israel, which recalled its ambassadors from Dublin and Oslo…reports Asian Lite News

Spain, Norway and Ireland have announced that they would recognise an independent Palestinian state, a rebuke to Israel over its war in Gaza and its decades of occupation of Palestinian territories.

On Wednesday morning, the governments of Ireland, Spain, and Norway made coordinated announcements recognising Palestine, aiming to support a two-state solution and promote peace in the Middle East.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez addressed the parliament in Madrid, emphasising the principles of peace, justice, and consistency as the driving forces behind Spain’s decision.

Spanish prime minister Pedro Sanchez
Jonas Gahr Støre
Simon_Harris

“We must ensure the two-state solution is respected, with mutual guarantees of security,” Sánchez stated, receiving applause from the assembly.

Ireland’s Taoiseach, Simon Harris, echoed this sentiment, asserting Palestine’s legitimate right to statehood.

At a press conference in Dublin, Harris declared, “This is a statement of unequivocal support for a two-state solution, the only credible path to peace and security for Israel, Palestine, and their peoples.”

He expressed confidence that other countries would follow suit in the coming weeks.

In Oslo, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre reinforced the necessity of recognition for peace in the region, declaring Norway’s acknowledgment of Palestine as an independent state “with all the rights and obligations that entails.”

Israel recalls envoys

Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday ordered the “immediate return” of Israeli ambassadors to Ireland and Norway following the decision announced by the two countries to recognise a Palestinian state.  

“I am sending a clear message today – Israel will not be complacent against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security,” said Katz.

“Ireland and Norway intend to send a message to the Palestinians and the whole world today: Terrorism pays. After the terrorist organisation Hamas carried out the largest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust, after it committed the most horrific sex crimes the world has seen, these countries chose to give a reward to Hamas and Iran by recognising a Palestinian state,” he added.

He stated that the “distorted step” taken by both countries is an “injustice” to the memory of the October 7 victims and a “blow” to efforts being made to ensure a safe return of the 128 hostages.

“Israel will not remain silent – there will be further severe consequences. If Spain follows through on its intention to recognise a Palestinian state, a similar step will be taken against it,” Kantz warned.

“The Irish-Norwegian folly does not deter us; we are determined to achieve our goals: restoring security to our citizens, dismantling Hamas, and bringing the hostages home. There are no more just causes than these,” he said.

Over 140 countries and the Holy See have recognised a Palestinian state, but most Western European countries and the US have not, reported The New York Times.

According to them, the recognition should be achieved through negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians and while they support a two-state solution, unilateral measures by third parties will not advance that goal.

Meanwhile, Israel has strongly condemned international attempts to recognise a Palestinian state and emphasised that Israel needs to negotiate directly with Palestinian leaders on a permanent solution.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said that establishing a Palestinian state would be an “existential danger” to Israel, The New York Times reported.

Palestine welcomes decision

Palestinian foreign ministry said it “welcomes the decisions taken by the Spain, Norway and Ireland to recognise the State of Palestine.”

“With this significant step, Spain, Norway and Ireland have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the two-state solution and to delivering the long overdue justice to the Palestinian people.

“Further, the recognitions of Spain, Norway and Ireland, are in line with international law and all United Nations relevant resolutions, which will in turn contribute positively to all international efforts towards ending the Israeli Illegal occupation and achieving peace and stability in the region.”

The statement goes on to call for other states to “take this principled decision as soon as possible”.

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Ireland to launch legal action against UK  

Many groups on the island of Ireland are vehemently opposed to the new law, including victims’ families, human rights organisations and all major political parties…reports Asian Lite News

Ireland says it will mount a legal challenge against the United Kingdom over a new law that gives some immunity from prosecution for offences committed during three decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland.

Irish Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin said on Wednesday that “after much thought and careful consideration”, his government is launching a legal challenge against the Legacy and Reconciliation Bill, which critics say shuts down access to justice for victims and survivors.

The law, passed in September, stops most prosecutions for alleged killings by armed groups and British soldiers during the Troubles, the three decades of violence in which more than 3,500 people died.

Many groups on the island of Ireland are vehemently opposed to the new law, including victims’ families, human rights organisations and all major political parties.

Martin said Britain had not properly engaged with people affected by the law before passing it.

“The British government enacted this legislation on September 18, 2023, shutting off any possibility of political resolution,” Martin said. “We now find ourselves in a space where our only recourse is to pursue a legal path.”

Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar said the case would be taken to the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. Ireland plans to argue that aspects of the law are incompatible with the UK’s obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The United Nations and the Council of Europe have backed Ireland’s position, Varadkar said.

“It is something that we’re genuinely doing with a sense of regret and would prefer not to be in this position, but we did make a commitment to survivors in Northern Ireland and to the families of victims that we would stand by them,” he said.

The Troubles – a conflict over British rule in Northern Ireland – pitted Irish nationalist armed groups seeking a united Ireland against pro-British “loyalist” paramilitaries and the British military. It eventually came to an end in 1998 through a peace deal.

About 1,200 deaths from that time remain under investigation, according to the UK government. Victims’ families have already been challenging the new law in the Northern Ireland courts. Amnesty International Northern Ireland Deputy Director Grainne Teggart said the Irish government’s pushback is essential.

“The U.K. government doggedly pursued this legislation which shields perpetrators of serious human rights violations from being held accountable. It’s important that the Irish government takes this stand,” she said.

“This challenge is vital for victims here and around the world who face the prospect of similar state-gifted impunity,” Teggart said.

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Indian women break the gender pay barrier in Ireland

Indian women earned 45 per cent more than women Irish citizens (Euro 611.60) and about 50 per cent more than overall female median weekly earnings (Euro 592.92)….reports Asian Lite News

Indian women in Ireland have broken a major glass ceiling to emerge as the highest median weekly earners in the country.

Indian women are also the only female nationality grouping in Ireland to earn more than their male counterparts. Analysis of recently published data by the Irish Central Statistics Office shows that the median weekly earning of Indian women in 2022 was Euro 886.93 compared to Euro 670.90 in respect of all nationalities, male and female, resident in Ireland.

Indian women earned 45 per cent more than women Irish citizens (Euro 611.60) and about 50 per cent more than overall female median weekly earnings (Euro 592.92).

Indian females earned 4 per cent more than India males (Euro 852.98). With the exception of Indian nationals, median earnings for males were higher than for females across all nationality groupings.

In terms of median weekly earnings, Indian nationals ranked first in Ireland at Euro 873.38, followed by the UK nationals at Euro 710.32 (Euro 820.24 among males and Euro 582.34 for females).

Applauding the outstanding performance of Indian women in Ireland, Akhilesh Mishra, Ambassador of India to Ireland said, “It echoes the aspirational change in the people of India. The Indian diaspora in Ireland, now about 80,000 including 45,000 Indian citizens, is unique as it comprises mainly first generation, young, high-value professionals who are deeply connected with and influenced by the women-led, inclusive economic development ushered in by Prime Minister Modi.”

“What is happening in the Indian community here is a result of the paradigm change under PM Modi, shift from rhetorical pro-women slogans of the past to the comprehensive, life-cycle-based action in mission-mode for women empowerment.”

Mishra added, “PM’s personal initiatives like Swachchha Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Selfie with Daughter, support for women entrepreneurship and recognition of inspiring women role models in space, STEM research and other unconventional areas–all have reverberations in the Indian diaspora and have influenced the dynamics of India-Ireland people-to-people ties as well. In a significant change, women from even tier 2, 3 cities are also coming to Ireland to pursue higher education and take up cutting-edge and challenging professional responsibilities. In the past couple of years, we also see a heartening trend of Indian women-led start-ups in Ireland.”

Ambassador Mishra also paid tribute to the generosity of the Irish society which provides a women-friendly, welcoming eco-system for education, innovation and entrepreneurship. Expanding and nurturing connectivity between the vibrant innovation ecosystems of India and Ireland is the highest priority for the Embassy. (ANI)

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Ireland allocates $13.7m for humanitarian aid in Palestine

Martin, who is also Ireland’s foreign minister, pointed out that his country was a longstanding supporter of the critical work undertaken by UNRWA with and on behalf of Palestinian refugees…reports Asian Lite News

Ireland on Wednesday allocated €13 million ($13.7 million) in additional funding for humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian people.

Of this, €10 million will be given to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees, which provides essential services to 5.7 million people in Gaza, the West Bank, Lebanon, Jordan and Syria.

Meanwhile, €3 million will go towards the UN Office for Humanitarian Affairs’ Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund.

The contributions will bring Ireland’s support to the people of Palestine to €29 million in 2023.

“We are witnessing tragic and shocking events in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory in the aftermath of the heinous attack by Hamas on Israel,” said Ireland’s Deputy Prime Minister Micheal Martin.

“I have said repeatedly that there should be a humanitarian ceasefire to meet the urgent basic needs of the people in Gaza. It is essential that humanitarian relief is provided to those who need it.

“This funding from Ireland will help the UN and others provide essential support to extremely vulnerable people, in particular those in Gaza who are dealing with acute and severe challenges.”

Martin, who is also Ireland’s foreign minister, pointed out that his country was a longstanding supporter of the critical work undertaken by UNRWA with and on behalf of Palestinian refugees.

He added that Ireland remained firmly committed to its political and financial support to the agency in such “deteriorating circumstances.”

Martin said: “I am acutely aware of how urgently funding is needed by UNRWA following my call with Commissioner General (Philippe) Lazzarini on Oct. 16. He articulated in the clearest terms that the situation unfolding in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe of unprecedented magnitude.

“UNRWA plays a vital role in delivering critical services such as healthcare, education, humanitarian relief and social services. Ireland remains a committed partner of the agency.

“Providing €13 million in assistance to the Occupied Palestinian Territories Humanitarian Fund will also address the escalating humanitarian needs by enabling rapid deployment of aid, particularly in life-saving sectors that have been hit hardest by the current conflict including health, shelter, food security and protection.”

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Ireland confident in challenging India

Ireland, on their part, are not hoping to be cannon fodder again and are confident of putting up a tough fight against India, making the most of the home conditions…reports Asian Lite News

Gearing up for the upcoming two-match T20 Internationals series against India, Ireland’s wicketkeeper-batter Lorcan Tucker is looking forward to making a good impression against one of the world’s top teams.

When India last visited Ireland in June last year for a similar two-match series, the Men in Blue won 2-0 and this time too, they are looking for a similar result, especially with bowling spearhead Jasprit Bumrah and fellow-pacer Prasidh Krishna returning from injuries and hoping to put up their claims for selection in the World Cup team.

Ireland, on their part, are not hoping to be cannon fodder again and are confident of putting up a tough fight against India, making the most of the home conditions.

Their confidence is based on the experience their players have gained a lot of experience in the last one year or so, said Tucker, who had a quiet series last time against India

“We’ve had a lot of cricket this year. We’ve been very well-prepped, especially in T20 cricket. We’ve come off a decent run there in Scotland where we managed to qualify for next year’s World Cup, so I think everyone’s feeling excited. We had two great games against India last summer and I think everyone’s really looking forward to the big build-up, and the exciting crowd. They’re going to come with that energy and it, going to be great,” Tucker informed in an interview with Ireland Cricket’s official website.

Another reason for Tucker’s confidence in his team and own performance was his recent success in a domestic game in Inter-Provincial Cup on Monday in which he struck 133 off 93 balls.

“Yeah, today was a good day -– it was good to be out there for a long period and figure out some quirks that haven’t been quite right throughout the summer. It’s brilliant to get that kind of energy, and that excitement, going into that big series,” Tucker added.

The three-match T20I series will be played in Dublin on August 18, 20 and 23. Cricket Ireland on Thursday announced that the first two matches have been sold out and that they have also roped in an official broadcaster in Ireland/UK in TNT Sports.

The 26-year-old Tucker said that the team has gained a lot of experience playing big games in recent years and will go into the upcoming three matches with confidence.

“The team is quite experienced with these bigger games. We’ve played in World Cups; we’ve played against India before. We know what it’s like when these big-pressure games come around. They are the showpiece of the summer for fans in Ireland. We just want to make an impression, stay nice and relaxed and play with confidence. That’s our main motto going forward,” he added.

“Malahide generates a special feeling –- especially when a big team comes to town. We know India may have a good deal of support, but to have such a big crowd – it’s brilliant for cricket in Ireland,” he added.

Ireland have selected a strong squad with experienced players like captain Paul Stirling, Andrew Balbirnie, Harry Tectorand George Dockrell, Craig Young and Josh Little

The Ireland squad: Paul Stirling (capt), Andrew Balbirnie, Mark Adair, Ross Adair, Curtis Campher, Gareth Delany, George Dockrell, Fionn Hand, Josh Little, Barry McCarthy, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker, Theo van Woerkom, Ben White, Craig Young.

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Indian nurses in soup over Irish visa ‘logjam’

An Indian nurse with 20 years’ work experience said that she has been waiting 76 working days for a decision on her visa application….reports Asian Lite News

Up to 850 highly-qualified nurses from India and other countries hoping to work in Ireland are stuck in a visa application ‘logjam’ due to delays in processing their applications, according to a media report.

With the waiting times for visas going up, nurses have missed their exam slots, making them wait for the next exam, pay the fee again and seek a new three-month visa, The Irish Times reported, quoting the owner of a health recruitment agency.

“Since the new year, candidates are being refused their temporary visa to sit the exam for bizarre and random reasons such as the type of software used to submit their documentation or the middle name not being included in one document,” the recruiter told The Times requesting anonymity.

In order to work in Ireland, the nurses have to first qualify the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) exam for which they have to come on a temporary visa costing 250 euros (Rs 22,000), in addition to 3,000 euros (Rs 2.6 lakh) examination fee.

Ireland grants highest number of work permits to Indians in Q1 2023.

An Indian nurse with 20 years’ work experience told The Irish Times she has been waiting 76 working days for a decision on her visa application. Currently employed in the Middle East, she was due to appear for the RSCI exam in late May but was unable to travel to Ireland due to the lack of a visa, and one of the documents she had photocopied was deemed illegible.

“I wanted to work in Europe and chose Ireland because friends said it was peaceful and the salaries were good. But I have been waiting a long time. I have resigned from my job, which ends in July. I will have to go to India then if this is not sorted out,” she said.

She further said that many of her colleagues are now turning to countries like the UK and New Zealand for they process applications swiftly.

“These nurses will have had to give several months notice in their current positions and will have quit their jobs in expectation of sitting their exams and beginning their new careers in Ireland. They have upended their lives and gambled their life savings on a bureaucratic process that is not fit for purpose,” the nurse told The Irish Times.

The RCSI said it refunds exam fees in most circumstances, including when a candidate is unable to travel.

At present, the average processing time for applications is approximately 35 working days, according to the Department of Justice website, which advises applicants to expect processing to take at least 20 working days.

As of April 30, 2023, visa application volume increased 40 per cent compared to 2022, and 75 per cent compared to 2019, according to Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi.

The recruiter said he had two nurses waiting 42 working days for a visa decision, while two others have been waiting 74 working days, and had to postpone their exams.

“We have eight other candidates waiting on decisions that would be due now and these nurses are due for exams in July,” he said.

The Department of Justice spokesperson told The Times that they are working to reduce immigration processing times via modernisation of systems. “More resources were added to manage the scheme recently as well as additional streamlining measures which should also reduce processing times for applications.”

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Ireland’s govt staff told to remove TikTok from work devices

TikTok. (Photo:Unsplash)

Use of the app is no longer allowed under the guidelines outlined in the Acceptable Usage Policy for Irish State employees, according to The Irish Times…reports Asian Lite News

Following a thorough risk analysis by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), employees of government departments and agencies have been told to remove TikTok from their work-related devices, The Irish Times reported.

The NCSC said that its evaluation “leant heavily on the experiences” of the European Commission, the European Union, the UK, and other organisations in addition to being in line with procedures in other nations. Due to data protection and privacy concerns related to the company’s relationship with the Chinese government, a number of nations, notably the UK and the Netherlands, have blocked the use of social networking app on government computers.

Use of the app is no longer allowed under the guidelines outlined in the Acceptable Usage Policy for Irish State employees, according to The Irish Times.

On Friday, parent departments and then staff received a message outlining the instructions, which The Irish Times obtained. They were instructed to remove the Chinese-owned social media app from any devices that were already running it and stopping installing the programme altogether.

A spokesperson of the Department of Communications, which is in charge of the NCSC, said the restriction extends to all departments, agencies, and other government entities falling under their purview, with the exception of “exceptional cases where there is a business need,” as per The Irish Times.

The spokesperson added, “This recommendation was informed by a detailed risk assessment carried out by the NCSC, and extensive engagement with relevant stakeholders, including the Data Protection Commission (DPC), the European Commission and other Member States.”

The Irish Times reported that the department sees it as being complementary to current security measures based on the 2021 Cyber Security Baseline Standards Framework intended to increase the security and resilience of public sector ICT systems.

Analysts weren’t overly surprised by the decision because similar bans had been implemented by the European Commission and the US, two countries that have expressed privacy concerns.

Chief Executive of BH Consulting, which specialises in cybersecurity and data protection, Brian Honan said. “The primary concern they have is that TikTok may be forced by the Chinese Government to hand over data from their user base and if some of them are Government employees that may enable the Chinese Government to do espionage or surveillance on those people,” adding, “It’s no big surprise the Irish Government has [gone] the same way.”

Minister of State for eGovernment Ossian Smyth, last month, indicated the NCSC was due to issue new guidance to the Government around policies for devices assigned to their civil servants.

He said, “That guidance doesn’t name specific companies; it describes how to measure the type of risk from different types of apps and what type of precautions to take in which circumstances. It doesn’t particularly name any apps or companies.

Contacts, photos, location information, and user interactions with other applications are among the types of information that may be accessible through social media apps.

Honan noted that identical functionality could be found in other social networking apps that are situated in different countries. (ANI)

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Ireland grants highest number of work permits to Indians

Ireland grants highest number of work permits to Indians in Q1 2023.

Out of the total 494 rejected applications, the highest number was also from India at 113, followed by Brazil at 80…reports Asian Lite News

Ireland granted the highest number of work permits, approximately 40 per cent, to Indian nationals, according to data released by the Irish Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the first three months of 2023.

Of the total of 7,264 work permits issued to third-country citizens, 2,894 went to Indian nationals from the beginning of January to March 31.

The month of January alone saw 2,525 of these permits issued, out of which almost half of them — 1,059 — went to Indian nationals.

After India, Brazil and the Philippines in the second and third spot with 734 and 663 permits issued to its nationals in the first quarter of 2023.

Out of the total 494 rejected applications, the highest number was also from India at 113, followed by Brazil at 80.

A total of 165 applications were withdrawn before a final decision was taken on them, the data showed.

Highest number of visas were issued to sectors worst hit by labour shortage — Health & Social Work Activities (2,428), followed by Information & Communication Activities (1,095).

One needs permission to live and work in Ireland only if they are from a country outside of the EEA (the EU, plus Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein), Switzerland and the UK.

With a population of five million, Ireland, which faces labour shortage, eyes foreign workers to fill up gaps in crucial sectors.

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