In today's news, the Department of Social Protection has been criticised over its slow response to a problem with sickness benefit payments, while the INMO is expected to consider on today whether to ballot its members for strike action.

Elsewhere, it's reported that concerns have been raised after new figures reveal that the numbers serving in the permanent Defence Forces has fallen below 9,000, while strong economic growth and a buoyant jobs market are set to push wages higher, according to the latest report from Ernst & Young.

The report warns that Brexit and the worsening global outlook would both hit Ireland and the country needed more infrastructure investment, "but accompanied by a continued focus on cost control - which will not be easy in the face of growing salary pressures across the economy."

Aer Lingus in pilot standoff as captains refuse €5,000 extra to fly on their day off is the Sindo headline reporting that the airline offered pilots €5,000 in extra pay - as well as 10 days' extra holidays - to captain flights to the US on their day off "in a bid to avoid chaos in its transatlantic schedule."

The Labour party leader's call for voters to extend support to other progressive parties has not exactly received a warm welcome. Fiach Kelly gives his analysis of the party's national conference in the IT.

Former HSE chief Tony O'Brien gave an exclusive interview to the Sunday Business Post, published yesterday. Reaction is widely reported.

We learned at the weekend that Max Levitas, the Dublin-born veteran of the Battle of Cable Street, has died. Those paying tribute to Levitas included the leaders of Congress and the TUC, along with the President of Ireland. This 2016 article looks back at the events of 4th October 1936, including Levitas' own reflections on the day they faced down British fascism.

Finally, Irish comedian Andrew Maxwell provides today's Zen moment, click the image above.

Have a good week.