The HSE has confirmed to that its staff will be paid this week following concerns over the effects of last week's cyber-attack on the HSE and health department payroll systems.

Some 7,000 new community-based healthcare staff are to be hired under a new Sláintecare implementation strategy and action plan, which covers the next three years.

Ireland’s public service unions are working on a joint submission to the body set up to address the additional working time introduced for many public servants under the 2013 Haddington Road agreement.

Fórsa has sought an urgent meeting with health minister Stephen Donnelly after his officials flatly rejected a union request for arbitration over pay restoration for staff in ‘section 39’ agencies.

Fórsa has called for workplace supports for sufferers of domestic violence and abuse, including paid leave and flexible working arrangements.

The Government has revised official Covid work safely guidance on ventilation, vaccinations and antigen testing following consultation with unions and employers.

Fórsa has welcomed the publication of a National Competitiveness and Productivity Council bulletin, which says Ireland could experience a productivity boost if remote working is embraced and well-managed at national and organisational levels.

Health minister Stephen Donnelly will address Fórsa’s biennial health and welfare conference, which takes place next Wednesday (26^th May).

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has called for greater overall public spending on Ireland’s social and physical infrastructures, in order to ensure sustained growth as the Irish economy recovers from the pandemic.