Elsewhere, Cllff Taylor writes about why more people are working beyond 65, what new rules will mean for them. The WRC is working on guidelines on how new legislation on working to the age of 66 will be interpreted.

Meanwhile, ICE deportation flights continue to refuel at Shannon, and the Irish Times reports a Dublin ETB is trying to recoup more than €200,000 in pension overpayments to the spouse of a deceased worker who subsequently remarried.

As the incessant rain is set to ease and freeze tonight (before more rain on Saturday and Sunday), we're not alone. On Wednesday, a section of Portugal’s main motorway, near the city of Coimbra, collapsed following torrential rainfall.

Your Zen this morning attempts to come to terms with the current inclement conditions, with help from Annie Lennox.

Have a lovely weekend.

NS