Government votes to extend COVID emergency powers

The government's emergency COVID-19 powers are to remain in place until November.

They were due to end next Thursday, but TDs last night voted by 73 to 68 to extend them for another five months.

It means there could be more travel bans and other measures - if there's another wave of COVID.

Independent TD Mattie McGrath believes the extension was the wrong move.

Kerry Independent TD Michael Healy-Rae says he voted against the measure last night.