Tens of thousands of people who have lost their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic are due to receive their first benefit today. Around 300,000 people have qualified for the emergency payment, with the majority due to receive it today.  

The Times reports that teachers may be redeployed to work outside the education sector as part of the Government’s efforts to deal with coronavirus. 

Mandate Trade Union has reached an agreement with Dunnes Stores which will see workers receive a 10% premium backdated to March 9. It follows similar measures in other supermarkets since the Covid-19 emergency started.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Federation (TUF) has called on companies to ensure laid off construction workers are paid no less than the minimum rates for the industry for the duration of the suspension of their work. The TUF which comprises SIPTU, BATU and Connect trade unions has also called for strict adherence by employers to the instruction by the government to close all non-essential building sites.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has called for government action to protect the interests of restaurateurs whose landlords are trying force them to pay their rent in full even while closed during the Covid-19 crisis.

The civil service National Shared Services Office (NSSO) has temporarily suspended its HR and payroll helpdesks , on foot of An Taoiseach’s ‘stay at home’ announcement last Friday. Take a look at the alternative arrangements put in place here.

The Government has reached an agreement with the private hospitals association to use its facilities for the treatment of both Covid-19 and non Covid-19 patients. Minister for Health Simon Harris said the partnership will represent a 17% increase in capacity for the Irish health service.

Elsewhere, the Minister for Transport Shane Ross has said that motorists whose NCT certs or driving licences are expiring will still be insured during the new government restrictions. NCT and driving test centres are currently closed to comply with the new government restrictions.

Counting in the Seanad Election continues today to fill 49 of the 60 seats of the Upper House. The count was adjourned late last night with no candidate making the quota.

RTE’s Emma O’Kelly highlights the importance of the State’s School Meals Programme in this piece.

And finally The Times features this beautiful and haunting letter to Ireland from Itaty.

The Backstreet Boys bring us our zen this morning. It’s good to see they’re keeping themselves busy during this time of social distancing.

Stay safe folks.