In other news, a group of environmental, commuter and health organisations have urged Dublin City Council to reverse “last minute changes” which water down the new Dublin City Centre Transport Plan. 

An Irish Times profile of early years professionals in the early education childcare sector reveals how financial struggles and a lack of career progression have overshadowed the joy of working with children, as a number of women and children who have asylum status, but who are still living in international protection housing, have been “left in limbo” after receiving letters stating they must leave their accommodation. 

Elsewhere, legal troubles continue for the orderly transition of Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) to an enhanced State research agency.

Early budget analysis and speculation continues as Jennifer Bray reports that Fianna Fáil ministers are backing a further increase to the renters’ tax credit in a move which could see the payment rise to €1,000. Minister for Finance Jack Chambers has said Budget 2025 will be “tighter” than the pandemic and inflation-tackling budgets that have come before it.

Meanwhile, a private member’s Bill to prevent protests and “incidents of intimidation and harassment” outside politicians’ homes has been passed in the Seanad and will now go to the Oireachtas Justice committee for consideration. 

Zen

Your Zen moment this morning is a little bit of Nils Frahm, who plays at the National Concert Hall tomorrow night and, frankly, I can't wait.

Have a lovely weekend.

Niall