In case you missed it, Fórsa yesterday welcomed a new policy that gives all civil servants the right to apply for remote or blended working under a new framework agreed between unions and the Department of Public Expenditure and reform.

Derek Mullen, who led the union side in the negotiations, and Jean Taylor, from the Civil Service Executive, were both featured in last evening’s 6.01 news discussing the new framework. 

The Journal reports this morning that large numbers of Covid cases, non-emergency calls and logistical problems have put massive pressure on the ambulance service in Dublin in recent days, leading to major delays and shortages for the ambulance service in the capital. 

Disabilities campaigner Tom Clonan, has been elected as Ireland’s latest Senator following the Trinity Seanad by-election. Clonan beat out Maureen Gaffney in the final count to win by 160 votes, with a total of 5,358 votes. Gaffney received 5,198 votes.

In the latest from Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned Russia is consolidating and preparing “powerful strikes” in the country’s east and south, including besieged Mariupol where a new attempt will be made today to evacuate civilians.

A new report recommends women candidate quotas for Irish elections should incorporate a quota for ethnic minority women to help tackle the issue of their underrepresentation in elected office. The report was produced by Maynooth University and funded by the Irish Research Council.

And the BBC believes we might be entering a ‘golden age’ for trade unions as it covers a growing trend seen on both sides of the Atlantic - Unionising. 

It's the first day of April which means one thing - be on the lookout as they'll be plenty of pranks about.

Have a good weekend!