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Q&A: Digital Covid Certs are being updated for boosters - here's what they'll be required for

If you’re boosted, you’ll soon get a new EU pass.

PEOPLE WHO HAVE received a Covid-19 booster dose will now be issued an updated Digital Covid Cert.

The certs will be issued from today and will soon be required for vaccinated people to travel within the EU. 

From next month, people relying on their cert showing Covid vaccination status to travel within the EU will need a booster dose if their initial course of vaccines concluded more than nine months ago. 

The updated cert won’t be needed for use to access restaurants or other venues within Ireland just yet – it’s just needed for travel purposes. 

Here’s what we know about it so far.  

What will the new cert be needed for?

The cert will be needed from 1 February for travel between EU countries.

The current vaccination certs will have a nine-month validity period from next month, meaning if you got vaccinated early last year (with either a two-dose mRNA course or the single-dose Janssen vaccine) and haven’t yet received a booster your cert may not be valid for travel. 

The pass will be used for travel in the same way as the current Digital Covid Cert.

For those who haven’t received a booster dose but who have had Covid-19 in the past nine months, a recovery cert will also suffice for travel instead of the updated vaccine cert. 

So essentially, if you have received a Covid booster, you don’t need to do anything and your updated Digital Covid Cert with details of your booster will be sent to you soon. 

If you haven’t yet been boosted, but your most recent vaccine dose was within the last nine months, your current cert will work for EU travel purposes for now.

If you are unvaccinated, you can still travel in the EU with a recent PCR negative test result. 

Younger children are often exempt from testing/vaccine pass requirements when travelling in the EU, but teenagers usually must abide by the same requirement for a recent negative Covid-19 test, proof of recovery or a vaccine pass. 

The updated Covid passes will be issued to people from this afternoon, according to the Department of Health.

The department said it will take a number of days to issue the certs to everyone who is eligible and advised people to check their emails. 

Minister of State for Public Procurement and eGovernment Ossian Smyth said that almost five million Covid certs had been issued since they were first introduced during the summer.

More than 800 million certs have been issued overall in the EU. 

Speaking to Newstalk radio this morning, Smyth said the vast majority of the certs will be issued by email. 

He said anyone who doesn’t have an email address or who may not have given their email address when receiving their booster will receive a text with instructions on how to download their new Covid cert 

Smyth said in a statement this afternoon that the updated cert will contain a QR code and can be stored on the Covid Tracker App, replacing the current vaccination cert issued after people were initially vaccinated. 

After a week from now, if people who are boosted haven’t received their updated cert, the Department of Health said it can be requested through the online self-service portal.

Is it needed for anything in Ireland yet, or will the current Covid vaccine cert/recovery cert work?

Nothing is changing with the Digital Covid Cert in Ireland at the moment. The two-dose (or one in the case of J&J) will still suffice for going to an indoor pub, restaurant or the cinema, among other activities.

The Department of Health said today that validity periods on vaccine certs for use in Ireland to access activities such as indoor dining “are not currently planned by the government”.

Asked yesterday whether a booster dose will soon be required to enter pubs, restaurants and other indoor venues in Ireland, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this will happen but not in the short-term.

“In the fullness of time yes, but not shorter than that,” he said. 

“Government decisions will have to be taken in terms of the policy implication of that but it’s very clear to us that the benefits of the booster are very significant.”

What’s happening in other countries? 

In France, Covid vaccine certs will soon require a booster dose for everyone over 18.

From 15 January, all adults who received their second vaccine dose more than seven months ago will need a booster dose to do certain activities such as travel on inter-city trains and go to restaurants. 

People in France can receive a booster jab three months after their most recent vaccine dose. This is the same guidance in place in Ireland. 

Unvaccinated people can instead show a recent negative test result, but French president Emmanuel Macron recently expressed that he wants to make the lives of unvaccinated people as difficult as possible through strict vaccine pass rules.  

What happens if you had Covid-19 before you could get a booster, but you never had a confirmatory PCR test?

At a media briefing earlier today, HSE CEO Paul Reid said that there is “no doubt we haven’t seen the total volume” of Covid-19 cases in Ireland in recent weeks. 

Many have struggled to get a PCR test in recent weeks in Ireland with soaring case numbers across the country leading to increased demand on the testing system.

Currently, vaccinated people who have had Covid-19 in Ireland are recommended to wait three months before receiving a booster dose. 

This may leave some people who recently contracted Covid-19 and who were vaccinated early last year in limbo without a valid vaccine pass for travel, and also without a recovery cert. 

A positive PCR test is currently required in order to get a Covid-19 recovery cert, which can be used for travel in the EU for people who have recovered from Covid in the past six months. 

The HSE confirmed today that it is examining a mechanism for people to register their positive antigen test results with the health service, with further clarification expected on this soon. 

HSE Chief Clinical Officer Dr Colm Henry said that for each positive case confirmed there could be “one or possibly even two more cases out there”.

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    Mute Type17
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:47 AM

    Anyone who complains about the heat will be sent back to January.

    1150
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    Mute Richard Doherty
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    Jul 18th 2016, 11:26 AM

    Nothing wrong with february this year was just cold nothing wrong with july either apart from it was raining more than february dont live by weather

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    Mute Alien8
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:47 PM

    open a window, turn on a fan. oh, take off the high tog duvet and use a sheet.

    293
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    Mute The Viking
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:50 PM

    Make Love. Sex is best on hot humid nights , mornings, afternoons & evenings. And any where inbetween..

    295
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    Mute gus sheridan
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:06 PM

    40c here last few days…

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    Mute Max Power
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:35 PM

    I suddenly feel sick.

    39
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    Mute Max Power
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:35 PM

    Better call the boss

    72
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    Mute Anthony Byrne
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:43 PM

    I like January.

    20
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    Mute LogicalSarah
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    Jul 19th 2016, 6:03 AM

    28 degrees is not high. Most countries experience temperatures higher then this all the time. Met Éireann getting people excited about weather most have experienced on holidays every year in the Mediterranean.

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    Mute Donncha MacConnmara
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    Jul 19th 2016, 9:36 AM

    Take a cold shower before bed.

    1
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    Mute Damocles
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:03 AM

    Yeah, the day I go back to work after 2 weeks away. Thanks Irish weather.

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    Mute Peter Gavin
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:45 AM

    Me too!

    68
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    Mute Micheal OLainn
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:00 AM

    It’s sunny. It’s not windy, wet and cold. I’m at risk of getting Vitamin D. Must slather on buckets of factor 50+ sunscreen if I go out.

    214
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    Mute John S
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:57 AM

    Harden up will you, you are not Irish if you are any less red than a tomato by tomorrow morning after sleeping in a cold bath overnight ;)

    144
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    Mute KevinMunster
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:59 AM

    Also avoid the direct sunlight or you’ll get skin cancer….

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    Mute ironballs mcginty
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:28 PM

    Looks like the only bit of sun that girl has seen in a while. Hang upside-down from her rafters me thinks.

    34
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    Mute Paddy Byrne
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:53 AM

    Whats this? Is this that thing people were talking about. Something called an irish summer?

    197
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    Mute Roly Burkinshaw
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:55 PM

    Lol.. 28′ ….41′ here in Arizona ..now that’s hot boys..

    61
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    Mute Kieran O'Sullivan
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:36 PM

    Ya but u got aircon

    149
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:21 PM

    Not outside you dont.

    22
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    Mute TheWordsofGreatMen
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    Jul 19th 2016, 7:42 AM

    Arizona is a desert, Ireland has a mild maritime climate. 28′ is more significant here than 41′ is there.

    7
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    Mute Linny
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:09 AM

    Inflatable pool filling up nicely. Thanks Irish water.

    184
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    Mute Robby D
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:26 AM

    Shaping up to be another scorcher here in Torremolinoes. It’s being Tropic so far.

    149
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    Mute Type17
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:46 AM

    Tropic is it now? – Get back here and fix that woman’s washing machine!

    372
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    Mute Robby D
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:48 AM

    She’ll have to wait. I’m on me holliers. Down der fir dancin’

    246
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    Mute Robby D
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:50 AM

    Had me togs on since I knocked off at 5 o clock

    165
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    Mute Robby D
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:37 AM

    Balls!!! Just looked out the window and she’s a bit cloudy.Should clear up by lunch

    39
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    Mute Roy Dowling
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:25 PM

    Please remember to check up on any Ginger haired relatives you have tomorrow to ensure there OK

    83
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    Mute Christine Paulette Roche
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:08 AM

    Well its certainly not happening here on the west coast of Ireland, drab,dreary and miserable :(

    75
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    Mute Robert O'Rourke
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    Jul 18th 2016, 12:37 PM

    What about the weather?

    245
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    Mute John Moylan
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:36 PM

    What part are you in? 23 degrees in Athenry at 18:35 hrs. Bloody fantastic and been like this all day

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    Mute JQ
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:40 PM

    Brilliantly done Sir

    24
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    Mute Bríd Uí Mhaoluala
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:11 PM

    24 degrees in Dingle today and still 20 now

    17
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    Mute Robert O Farrell
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:50 PM

    I was in Dingle all wknd. The misty rain was astonishing to behold for the month of June and now I hear it’s 24 degrees today. That is just fabulous.

    16
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    Mute David Lee
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:20 AM

    Everyday has been a scorcher in Dublin since Friday

    72
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    Mute Conor O'Neill
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:18 AM

    Poor timing . I am off to Spain for the week !

    71
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    Mute Deborah Behan
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    Jul 18th 2016, 3:18 PM

    Lucky thing I’ve to go to work tomorrow where the only air conditioning is to open a window!

    51
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    Mute Link
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:47 PM

    Me too, only our Windows don’t open and I’m in the fast food game!

    66
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    Mute Josephine Carroll
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:49 AM

    Well its just hit 20degrees here not even 9am yet….although its overcast…..at 4.30am it was 18degrees….I was out on my break during the night….beautiful night.

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    Mute Seosamh Púinse
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:18 PM

    sweaty balls so tomorrow

    45
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    Mute Jonathan Byrne
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:55 PM

    Fuc#in right. 42 degrees in Oklahoma city. Air conditioning, bug spray an water. To stay alive. I’d rather be having pints in a beer garden in Temple bar.

    35
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    Mute Foghorn Leghorn
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:40 AM

    Sunscream? How have I made it so many years thinking it was sunscreen?

    35
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    Mute Foghorn Leghorn
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:41 AM

    Ah suncream, that’s the morning eyes for ya

    31
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    Mute Lorraine Gardiner
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:19 AM

    Not a cloud in the sky here in Lanzarote 32 degrees and climbing- that’s why I live here yippee

    33
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    Mute Peter McMahon
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:37 AM

    Irrelevant

    96
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    Mute Lorraine Gardiner
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    Jul 18th 2016, 2:32 PM

    Yeah Peter you and all the 33 red thumbs are the Irish begrudges ha ha ha

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    Mute CeeBee Barker
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:42 PM

    Don’t make the mistake of assuming we’re all jealous. That’s my idea of hell. Give me the Autumn, Spring or even a wet miserable Winter any time over the Summer. You can keep yer Lanzagrotty.

    42
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    Mute Gomez Scarlet
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:24 PM

    You sound a bundle of laughs – miserable just like the weather you get in that dump Ireland ha ha ha ha

    2
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    Mute David Staed
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:10 PM

    Shouldn’t summer be on a Thursday this year because it was definitely on a Wednesday last year. Then again it is a leap year so it should be on a Friday. Aw well, I’m looking forward to it anyway. Roll on Tuesday

    29
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    Mute Micheal S. O' Ceilleachair
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:48 AM

    27 Celcius is too hot altogether? It’s true we Irish are never satisfied with the weather. Grey clouds here in Limerick! Tsk! Tsk!!!

    27
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    Mute Dessie Deratta
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:54 PM

    Well, nobody will accuse Megan of having a sun tan!

    26
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    Mute Derek Moran
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:49 AM

    Grey and soaky here in leitrim

    23
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    Mute Al Ca
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:52 PM

    Lovely

    10
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    Mute Ken Pepper
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    Jul 19th 2016, 1:41 AM

    Ur jocks?

    3
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    Mute Mac Dara Powell
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:45 AM

    Still cloudy and wet in Athlone.

    20
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    Mute Dessie Deratta
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:58 PM

    That’s Athlone for ya…..!

    23
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    Mute Jonathan Byrne
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:24 AM

    It’s 24 degree’s here an its 2 in the morning. Sure would love to be back in Dublin for that daytime weather:(

    16
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    Mute blah!
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:52 PM

    Yea but what about Enda Kenny?

    14
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    Mute jean mc connell
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:55 PM

    25 degrees in Sligo today- so glad I live in the sunny Northwest. Sun, sea & surf

    14
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    Mute Shane Terry
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    Jul 18th 2016, 11:50 PM

    26 degs in Courtown Wexford, It’s like the whole of Dublin 1 took holidays at the same time. I have never seen so much active wear in my life. Luckily I was just passing through and can get therapy for post traumatic stress.

    13
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    Mute Ken Pepper
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:31 PM

    Mingling hairy feet in flip flops and pasty legs in shorts here we come !

    13
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    Mute Niall O Neill
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:39 PM

    39 in South Western France. Trop chaud.

    12
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    Mute Shawn Rahoon
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:27 PM

    37c here in the Sunshine State. The heat is bearable, its the humidity that wreaks you.

    11
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    Mute Dessie Deratta
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:55 PM

    No way 39C in South Wales……

    9
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    Mute Macus Mc Mahon
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:03 AM

    Whats the Dust Index for today ?

    9
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    Mute Darren Doyle McCormack
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:54 AM

    Dust…..high fat, low fat, dust.

    56
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    Mute alphanautica
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    Jul 18th 2016, 7:43 PM

    Unlike the booming economy, at least we can all say this affects us personally and we didn’t even need to get out of bed.

    9
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    Mute garb yakob
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:07 PM

    Is no one going to cry blue murder for that main pic for the article? Sur her boobs are basically out there! Tanning themselves!! Must be some way of counting the white to red skin numbers for tomorrow? Love to see that stat

    7
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    Mute Aine Power
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:51 AM

    Wrong, it’s so cloudy in Dublin with vibes of thunder.

    7
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    Mute monkeysocks
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:57 AM

    No it’s not

    58
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    Mute JQ
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    Jul 18th 2016, 6:42 PM

    Aine must be locked in a basement somewhere

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    Mute Dessie Deratta
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    Jul 18th 2016, 8:56 PM

    Sunny 28C in this part of Dublin…but I was outdoors…..

    17
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    Mute Nick Caffrey
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:05 PM

    I don’t know (or care) what the temperature was today, but it was a beautiful day. Anyway, this time of the year it’s always going to be between 13 and 27, give or take. Not news.

    6
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    Mute dstaffx
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    Jul 18th 2016, 9:50 PM

    Is that woman wearing a dog collar

    5
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    Mute garb yakob
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    Jul 18th 2016, 10:08 PM

    Tomorrow will be a weird tanline

    8
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    Mute Ryan Hardy
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    Jul 18th 2016, 1:27 PM

    Meh yesterday was nicer

    4
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    Mute alphanautica
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    Jul 18th 2016, 11:03 PM

    The gardai should chant ‘Peaceful Policing’ as they beat the crowd with their riot gear.

    That makes it ok apparently.

    4
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    Mute Evelyn Monteith Hughes
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    Jul 19th 2016, 12:36 AM

    We must wear clothes that are size and age appropriate rather than mind appropriate I’m told. So no short shorts or belly tops, which is an inappropriate name for such a top as only those with no bellies are entitled to wear them

    3
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    Mute kizzy
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    Jul 19th 2016, 3:19 AM

    92 in NYC today don’t mind it at all so happy Ireland getting some proper summer weather

    1
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    Mute David Hefner
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    Jul 19th 2016, 3:12 AM

    Was 28C here in March here in Canada.

    1
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