The health care crisis continues to dominate headlines again this morning, with reports that more than 850 hospital beds have been unavailable for use this year, and we’re only ten days in. SIPTU has that the biggest issue for their ambulance crew members is the significantly longer turnaround times at emergency departments due to overcrowding. And people have been urged not to stockpile any cold and flu medication due to a shortfall.

The Examiner reports on the newly issued security advice to politicians, which encourages them to consider a personal alarm and to vary their routine, including travelling to work.

The co-founder of the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland has said he has seen an increase in hate towards those seeking refuge and asylum in Ireland in recent months.

Fresh talks between Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin and Northern political leaders aimed at resolving the row over the Northern Ireland Protocol and restoring Stormont have been described as “productive”, according to The Times.

Elsewhere, the UK government is set to introduce a bill to Parliament today which would ensure public sector services maintain minimum service levels during strike action. Under the union condemned proposals, some trade union members would be required to continue working during a strike.

Meanwhile, primary school teachers across Scotland are on strike today in a dispute over pay.

And finally, an attempt to launch the first satellite into orbit from UK soil last night has ended in failure after suffering an “anomaly” during the flight. Read more on that here.

Zen

Bowie brings us zen this morning, marking five years since his passing. 

Have a good day folks.