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Pontins banned 'Irish' names

The owner of Pontins in the UK has entered into a legal agreement with the UK's human rights watchdog after a whistleblower revealed it was using an “undesirable guests” list t pontins

o exclude Gypsies and Travellers.

Britannia Jinky Jersey Limited is working with the UK's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to prevent racial discrimination after a Pontins employee said the British holiday park company was operating a discriminatory bookings policy.

The EHRC verified the claims and said practices included a list of Irish surnames published on its intranet page, with staff required to block potential customers with those names from booking.

It said staff monitored calls and refused or cancelled bookings made by people with an Irish accent or surname, and Pontins’ commercial vehicle policy excluded Gypsies and Travellers from its holiday parks.

Ireland in World Cup Bid

Ireland and the UK are to make a joint bid to host the 2030 Fifa World Cup, a Government spokesman has confirmed. worldcup

If successful, it would create an enormous oportunity for Irish toursm.

In a joint statement, the five football associations of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales said that they were delighted to support a prospective bid for the tournament.

The Government spokesman said that the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media would assess the viability of a bid for the tournament with the UK.

“We look forward to further extensive engagement and collaboration as we seek to refine our hosting proposals in the coming months,” said the spokesman for Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Mc Cann to end Dalata reign

Pat McCann, the chief executive of hotel group Dalata, is to step down from his role following a transition period. mccanncrowley

Mr McCann, who has served as CEO since founding the company in 2007, is also stepping down from the board.

Dermot Crowley, currently deputy CEO, will succeed Mr McCann, according a statement from the group.

The announcement was made as the group reported a loss after tax of €101m in respect of last year.

The group said its “proactive” cost reductions and government support schemes protected employment and cash during periods of low occupancies.

Dalata said its balance sheet, which includes hotel assets of €1.2bn, provides it with “security and opportunity.”

'Vaccine Passport' may open travel

Ireland is to take part in discussions on proposals by the EU to create a coronavirus vaccine passport which it is hoped could allow people travel for a holiday or work, it emerged vanleyen last night.

EU President Ursula von der Leyen said yesterday the EU-wide ‘Digital Green Pass’ would be proposed this month and that it could be a first step towards a vaccine passport for travel by those who have had the jab.

She said: “The Digital Green Pass should facilitate Europeans’ lives. The aim is to gradually enable them to move safely in the EU or abroad – for work or tourism.”

Asked about the proposal last night deputy chief medical officer Dr Ronan Glynn said: “It is something that requires consideration. It is under consideration. We will engage with colleagues about it in the coming weeks.”

Aer Lingus lays off Shannon staff

Aer Lingus is to place all its staff at it's Shannon Airport base on unpaid leave. shannonapt

The airline said no Aer Lingus flights have operated to or from the airport since April 5

"Aer Lingus has concluded that it is not sustainable to continue to roster staff to the current levels when there is no work available," the company said in a statement. "As a result, Aer Lingus has had to take the decision to place all 129 inflight service and ground operations staff in Shannon on temporary unpaid lay-off.

The temporary layoffs will remain in effect until June 7 but could be extended. Over a year ago, Aer Lingus announced plans to grow Shannon Airport traffic by 20% with two new based aircraft and new services to Barcelona and Paris.