The budget could be brought forward by over a month as Government face pressure from opposition over the on-going cost of living crisis. According to the Irish Times multiple sources confirmed that discussions are underway to bring the budget forward to September.

Aer Lingus cancelled 12 of its flights on Wednesday due to a spike in Covid-19 cases among staff. It is uderstood there may be further cancellations over the coming days due to the virus. The airline has indicated that they "are working to secure alternative travel options for customers in each case and wish to apologise to those impacted for the inconvenience," 

The latest annual report by the Mental Health Commission (MHC) has found that independent privately-run mental health centres typically provide better care than HSE facilities. Mental Health Commission Chief Executive John Farrelly said the report showed "clear evidence that the independent, private mental health service providers are generally providing care in superior standard premises than those within the public system". 

Data across the EU27 shows 8% of Irish households were in arrears in 2020, up 36% on 2019 and second only to Greece, leaving Ireland with the second highest rate of rent and mortgage arrears in the EU.

THe HSE have backed the closure of Navan hospital's emergency facility due to 'significant concers on patients safety.' Minister for health Stepehn Donnelly has voiced his concern over the closure after meeting with clinicians in Drogheda.

The family of Sophie DuPlantier have welcomed the news that An Garda Síochana is to carry out a full cold case review of the west Cork killing, which took place more than a quarter of a centuy ago.

Two thirds of young people are more productive in the office compared to working from home, according to new research from Samsung.

A survey of 554 Irish adults, conducted by iReach for the electronics company, showed 65 per cent of 18 to 24-year-olds stated they are more productive when they’re in the office.

ZEN

Last night thousands of concert goers made there way to Marlay Park for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The American rock band was formed in 1983 and have been know to throw free-wheeling, uninhibited and unabashedly entertaining concerts. Here's my favourite song of theirs: