In other news today, Bristow, the firm taking over from CHC to provide the Irish Coast Guard rescue service, has done a deal with Unite trade union, which represents helicopter engineers. Pilots and winch crew are represented by Fórsa.

Elsewhere, six people were arrested after gardaí “came under attack” by a group of protesters at a site earmarked to accommodate international protection applicants in Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow, yesterday.

RTE reports that the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has received five complaints relating to remote/flexible working. It's been less than two months since the introduction of the code of practice drawn up by the WRC.

New research published by a research group at Trinity College shows a “stark deterioration” in mental health within the LGBTQ+ community, and the Government has announced an investment of €100 million in developments to deliver 1,000 student accommodation beds. 

Finally, the Irish Council for Social Housing has warned that older people and people with disabilities are at risk of becoming a social housing “underclass” due to a declining number of homes catering for their needs 

Zen

Your Zen moment this morning salutes the weekend. As a big fan of The Rest Is History podcast I particularly enjoyed this recent episode about the rise and fall of Disco in the 1970s:

"The radical dream of the 1960’s had dissipated, with economic decline, Vietnam and Watergate polarising and disenchanting the public. Then, at a party in New York held by the DJ David Mancuso, something new was born: Disco. An intoxicating kaleidoscope of dancing and colour, uniting disparate groups under the banner of music." 

According to the podcast the first ever disco song was by Cameroonian artist Manu Dibango. HIs tune, Soul Makossa  - is included below. Remember to dance like nobody's looking.

Have a lovely weekend.

Niall