ICTU has renewed its call on the Government to stand firm against employer lobbying to delay the June deadline for new EU pay transparency rules becoming law.  

Congress has also voiced concern about the Private Wires Bill. Paul Gavan, of Ictu has said the proposed law “opens the door to the privatisation of our transmission and distribution networks by enabling private ownership and operation of electricity lines.” Fianna Fáil's Thomas Byrne has dismissed the claim as 'nonsense'.

In Eolas magazine, Ictu general secretary Owen Reidy writes Ireland cannot rely on the United States. Elsewhere, the Westmeath Examiner reports on last week's SNA protest, as does the Westmeath Topic.

Tánaiste Simon Harris has downplayed reports the potential for conflicts of interest to arise from Government plans to beef up civil service capacity by using staff from corporate law and accountancy firms during Ireland’s upcoming European Union presidency.

FInally, the DAA has lost another board member; Revenue could collect almost €27 million in taxes following a Supreme Court ruling that found food delivery drivers were staff and not self-employed while strong income tax receipts linked to having a record 2.83 million people at work boosted the Government’s finances in January and February.

Your zen this morning is a gentle sample from the work of Stars of the Lid.

Have a great day.

NS