Our colleague Eugene Gargan will speak to the Oireachtas Transport Comittee this morning, addressing the practice of 'factoring' the working hours of Search and Rescue personnel.

The Irish Examiner reports that assault leave has been granted at least 1,700 times since 2020 to teachers and special needs assistants (SNAs) physically injured in the course of their duties. SNAs make up the vast majority of staff injured. Since 2020, some 1,240 SNAs have been granted assault leave, including 295 this year to the end of October. 

The private healthcare sector is facing staff shortages in the coming year with long-term vacancies remaining unfilled. A new report by recruiter Excel Healthcare describes a sector under pressure as demand outstrips supply, and challenges in recruitment and retention. At the same time, Cabinet has been advised that “significant pressures” on healthcare services is expected in coming weeks amid an early start to the flu season. 

Elsewhere, IALPA has announced industrial action at freight airline ASL Holdings next week, in a dispute over trade union recognition and pay. The 16-hour stoppage will take place next Tuesday, while about 60 staff at Meta contractor Covalen will take industrial action on Wednesday in a dispute over grading, pay and union recognition. 

Meanwhile, the transport minister has blocked a a proposed near-€1 million severance deal for airport operator DAA chief executive Kenny Jacobs.

Finally, FIFA's newly crowned peacemaker has said he will 'make a call' regarding renewed hostilities on the Thai-Cambodia border. I'm sure that will go well.

Your Zen this morning is a new song and video from Chilli Peppers bass player Flea: A Plea

Have a lovely day.

NS