In yesterday's Business Post there was a report of mounting concern over Aer Lingus' plans in Cork and Shannon, following last week's winter base closures by Ryanair in both airports. The report describes 'growing exasperation' at the Government''s treatment of the aviation sector.The Post's editorial argues that 'getting Ireland flying again is crucial to our economy'. The paper's front page led with news that private hospitals are pushing back on a new deal to increase public health capacity with private hospital beds.

Also in weekend news, the Indo reported 'Pandemic likely to 'limit scope' for new public sector pay increases'.

NUIG's ongoing research into remote working has published summary data from the second phase of the survey, with 94% of the 5,600 repondents in favour of working remotely on an on-going basis for some or all of the time. The majority of those, 54%, said they would like to work remotely several times a week, 27% said five days a week, and 13% said several times a month. Reporting the results in the Indo, Philip Ryan reports that around 10,000 remote working spaces are being planned for rural communities to allow workers to spend less time in the office and more at home.

Simon Lewis is a school principal who has a podcast called If I were the Minister for Education. In his latest episode he's supporting school secretaries, arguing they should be getting paid directly by the DES.

For a little Zen this morning, the Irish film industry awards took place last night minus the red carpet and the frocks. It was a Zoom call affair and Tom-Vaughan Lawlor's acceptance speech for best actor featured some very sweet upstaging by his kids. The video isn't available but Donald Clarke reports.

Have a good week, stay safe.

Niall