Pandemic Set To Leave Financial Scars For Up To Two Years

The government has announced plans to end direct provision. Under the new policy, asylum seekers will get the keys to their own accommodation after four months and will be able to work after six months. The changes were announced in a White Paper to End Direct Provision published by Children's Minister Roderic O'Gorman, who joined us to discuss it in more detail. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/02/26181025/LW-Direct-Provision.mp3"][/audio]

Loneliness is increasing more among 18 to 34-year-olds than for any other age group and is emerging as a "very serious public health issue", according to the Institute of Public Health. Just 3% of 18 to 34-year-olds surveyed in 2018 said they were lonely "all or most of the time", compared to 26% in November 2020. Is loneliness a personal issue or a broader societal issue? Irish Times advice columnist and Hot Press film editor Roe McDermott joined us to discuss how the pandemic has been affecting people's personal relationships. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/02/26174418/LW-Loneliness.mp3"][/audio]

Gardaí investigating the murder of two brothers in north Cork have found the body of a third man, believed to be another sibling. The bodies of the brothers, who were in their sixties, were discovered on a farm near Mitchelstown overnight and remain at the scene. A double murder investigation is now underway. The body of the third brother was found in a river. Gardaí are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. Eoin English, journalist with the Irish Examiner, joined us with more on this story. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/02/26172101/LW-North-Cork.mp3"][/audio]

Irish people are experiencing higher levels of frustration and stress than at any stage during the pandemic, according to new research. A survey by Amárach Research reveals that 44% of people reported feeling frustrated in recent days, with 40% saying they felt stressed. Meanwhile 31% reported feeling sad in recent days, and 28% said they felt lonely. Aoife Barry and Dave Hanratty joined us to discuss this and more in The Week Trending. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/02/26170714/LW-Week-Trending-26-Feb.mp3"][/audio]

A new report has countered claims that economic inequality in Ireland is falling, claiming instead that it is unacceptably high and growing. The evidence is presented in Hungry Bellies are not Equal to Full Bellies, published today by the trade union Unite. Brendan Ogle, senior officer with Unite, joined us to discuss the findings and what can be done to change the situation. [audio mp3="https://media.radiocms.net/uploads/2021/02/25185140/LW-Inequality.mp3"][/audio]