Six people pass away, confusion over number of creches opening in September

Six people lost their lives from Covid-19 in the Republic of Ireland in the last 24 hours, the HSE said this evening.

The total death toll here is now 1,743 while the number of confirmed cases has now reached 25,565 after another 23 were diagnosed.

Meanwhile, there appears to be confusion over the number of creches planning to open in September.

Tánaiste Leo Varadkar earlier told the Dáil that only 60% of facilities had indicated that they would be reopening in September.

However, a spokesperson for Mr Varadkar later said: “The information provided to the Tánaiste by the Department of Children was inaccurate.

“The Department will be issuing a clarifying line shortly.”