Saturday’s Irish Times examined the pros and cons of a Universal Basic Income (UBI) which included insight’s from ICTU’s Dr Laura Bambrick.

The Sunday Independent reported yesterday that politicians “secretly voted through a deal to give Coalition parties extra parliamentary staff despite being warned it could impact on low-paid Leinster House staff, some of whom earn less than the living wage,” and potentially affecting a Siptu pay claim for a group of staff that had been referred to the WRC.

Elsewhere, the Government appears to drag its heels on legislation that would allow meat processing plants to be closed due to Covid-19 outbreaks, while the children's minister promises parents' leave is to be extended to nine weeks for both fathers and mothers.

Meanwhile, the good news, according to new figures from Dublin City Council, is that up to 70% of suspected illegal Airbnb-style holiday lets in Dublin city have returned to the full-time rental market since the start of the pandemic.

Friday night's Late Late Toy Show was loaded with more Zen than Santa could realistically carry on his sleigh, with a welcome shift of focus from toys to real stars of the show, lighting up the night with stellar appearances from a group of fantastic children. Among them was Adam King, whose keen interest in Capcom (communications link between flight control and astronauts) captured NASA's attention.

Adam also got to meet his friend and hero John Doyle, head porter at Temple Street Hospital. Click on the image above to see Adam and John reuniting on the show and talking about their friendship. It's just pure lovely.

Now, have yourself a great week. Stay safe.

Niall