The Irish Times leads with a report that the number of asylum seekers being accommodated by the State has exceeded 30,000 for the first time as the Government considers a review of supports available to those who are not in direct provision. 

The same paper reports that the housing crisis is “inhibiting Ireland’s competitiveness performance” and undermining growth and wellbeing, and the State needs to attract more construction workers if housebuilding targets are to be met.

The Indo has a report from the Union Week book launch at Fórsa's Sligo office last week, while the Palestinian ambassador, who is due to address Fórsa's conference next week, has told the INMO's conference that children in Gaza are facing surgery without adequate pain relief and pregnant women struggle to get access to care.

Elsewhere, the Business Post reports that DPENDR minister Paschal Donohoe has shut down the suggestion that Ireland should consider establishing a National Infrastructure Commission to advise the state on long-term infrastructure delivery. 

Meanwhile, the Indo reports there were protests in Malmo yesterday before the Eurovision Song ­Contest’s second semi-final, in which Israel’s representative Eden Golan was due to perform. Climate activist Greta Thunberg was among those taking part in pro-Palestinian demonstrations in the Swedish city.

Zen

A new Netflix series, set and shot in Ireland, landed this week. The Indo says Bodkin is "a deliciously offbeat concoction of the (intentionally) silly and the sinister that delights in setting up more shamrock-laden clichés than you can shake a shillelagh at and then gleefully shredding them." Ed Power's review in the Irish Times is less favourable, but characteristically curmudgeonly, which is almost reassuring (he hates loads of good stuff).

It might be worth a punt. 

Have a great weekend.

Niall