This week's IRN includes an update on talks between Fórsa and AirNav which are taking place today, while pay is in focus as The Irish Times and RTÉ carry news on the CIPD pay data to be presented at the IRN conference today. Private sector employers expect to wages to rise by an average of 2.9% this year, down from a high of 5% in 2022. Pay continues to be driven driven by inflation and housing costs, as well as ‘general pay trends’ and employee retention. 

Elsewhere, the Taoiseach has been asked to meet healthcare workers with Long Covid following claims he showed a “willingness to revisit” a special sick pay scheme. 

Meanwhile, Iran promises to drive up the price of oil as the US and Israel kept up their bombardment of Iran.

Your Zen this morning sees my 104 year-old grand uncle Paddy Claffey in the news. Paddy is the oldest man in Ireland and he's my granny Jane's baby brother. He's set to be grand marshall of the St Patrick's Day Parade in Clara, County Offaly next week. Top man.

Have a great day.

NS