Elsewhere, Brian O'Donovan reports the Government has said it expects to meet a deadline today to transpose the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, while unions "have accused the State of not fully implementing the rules by failing to pass new legislation." The Directive  seeks to reduce working poverty and inequality by improving statutory minimum wages, as well as the promotion of collective bargaining.

In other election news, it emerged over the weekend that Fine Gael leader Simon Harris has plans for the Office of Public Works (OPW) is to be subsumed into a new Department of Infrastructure if Fine Gael is returned to Government. Elsewhere, Mick Wallace is back.

Meanwhile, a group of creche owners have written an open letter to those contesting the general election to say political parties need to be explain to service providers how they intend to bring about State-led early education and childcare services and fund huge cuts to parents’ fees.

The weather is set to take a turn this week as snow and sleet is expected to fall in parts of the country on Monday night as temperatures take a steep drop nationwide. 

Zen

The National Concert Hall hosted Tradition Now on Saturday night, bringing together an amazing array of musicians. I caught the brilliant Nick Hart and Tom Moore who opened with this classic that Planxty fans will no doubt recognise. The key performance of the evening was Lisa O'Neill, backed by the National Symphony Orchestra. It is almost impossible to convey how powerful it was so I won't try.

Have a great week.

Niall