Wednesday's news
by Mehak Dugal

As farmers continue to protest outside Leinster House, tractors continue to block a number of roads around Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green in Dublin. Minister for Agriculture, Michael Creed, did meet with some of the farmers early this morning, but there does not seem to be much progress made as those involved in the protests said they will not disband despite the meeting and the minister must meet with an appointed delegation. AA Roadwatch says St Stephen's Green East and North are closed along with Kildare Street and Dawson Street. If you plan to take a bus today, you might want to take a look at the full list of diversions here.

 

Employers group Ibec said an increasing number of sectors are set for labour shortages during the continuing economic recovery, and the situation highlighted the need for a flexible system of hiring migrant workers. Ibec expressed concern about the combined effects of EU migration and domestic labour market activation schemes not being sufficient to meet the country’s rapidly growing demand for workers, highlighting the increasing pressure on Ireland’s already tight labour market.

 

A Labour Party Bill to reform the way wages are set in low paid sectors of the economy is set to be debated in the Seanad tomorrow. The Industrial Relations (Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2019 seeks to reform the Joint Labour Committee (JLC) system by giving new powers to the Labour Court to set binding rates of pay above the National Minimum Wage. The Bill, which would apply to workers in hotels and catering sectors, is supported by ICTU.


National Bus and Rail Union (NBRU) members in Cork are set to ballot for industrial action to address the issues of security on buses. The ballot, set to take place tomorrow, follows on the heels of the recent disciplinary action that was taken against the individual who spoke to the media about bus drivers concerns.


A major cross-border nursing conference set to take place in Belfast next week has been cancelled as it coincides with the first day of industrial action by nurses in Northern Ireland. It was the first time in the Royal College of Nursing's (RCN) 103-year-history that such action has been taken.

 

Leo Varadkar has said he cannot guarantee that laws to regulate online political advertisements will be in place before the next General ElectionSpeaking during Leaders’ Questions in the Dáil, the Taoiseach said he does not believe in an outright ban on political advertising but that it does need to be regulated.

 

In better news, Electric Ireland has today announced a new deal to supply 8 million kwh of green electricity per annum to Cork Airport, making it 100pc green electricity based.

 

Mr Michael Ring, Minister for Rural and Community Development, announced €39.2m funding for the 2020 Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP), the Government’s primary scheme targeted towards social inclusion intervention. This represents a 3% increase on 2019 funding for the programme. The fund supports unemployed people, those living in deprived areas, people with disabilities, single parent families, people on low income, members of the Traveller community and other disadvantaged groups.

 

And finally, as November draws to a close, the start of the festive period is marked on Friday with the Late Late Toy Show. RTÉ have put forward this teaser ahead of the eagerly anticipated production. 

 

Have a great day.  

LikeLike (1)