In yesterday's Sindo Philip Ryan reports that the Government "fears capitulating to nursing union demands could result in pay claims from other public sector workers costing €2.3bn." The Irish TImes reports that the Taoiseach has rejected calls for an independent review of striking nurses’ pay claim (the finance minister did the same again this morning) but said the Government does not intend to withhold payments due to them under public sector pay agreements.

Elsewhere, the row over the National Children's Hospital is widely reported, while households not signed up for bin collection are to be inspected. I expect this will raise very serious data protection issues, meanwhile the data regulator is struggling to find a suitable home for its growing staff, while new research advises employers they'll need to make their workplaces more “age-friendly” to accommodate greater numbers of workers aged over 65.

The CEO of the state's Housing Agency has said it would be a mistake for local authorities to become involved in building homes for low- and middle-income buyers as part of the Government’s proposed new affordable purchase scheme.

The Irish Examiner reported on Saturday that British Airways is refusing to offer pilots and other staff a new three-year salary package, citing an uncertain post-Brexit outlook in proposing a 12-month agreement instead. I expect we'll be hearing more of this type of news in the coming weeks and months.

In Sunderland, where a majority (61%) voted to leave the EU in 2016 (and would probably do so again), there's understandable concern over reports that Nissan has abandoned plans to build a new model of one of its flagship vehicles at its Sunderland plant. It's the biggest car manufacturing plant in the UK, employing around 6,700 workers who build 2,000 cars a day.

Meanwhile, UK political leaders are still charging like the Light Brigade, while the Brexit-cheering press exhausts its cache of military metaphors.

Elsewhere, there's positive notes emerging from the Abbey theatre following the first engagement between artists and the national theatre's management since concerns were raised with the arts minister over the outsourcing of creative staff on lower rates of pay.

Your moment of Zen today comes from an exhibition currently showing at the Dublin's RHA gallery, where Brian Eno's 77 Million Paintings installation is currently on show until the 24th February. The installation's focal point is a constantly changing visual (a selection of which can be seen in the pic above, click on the image for a brief tour of its visit to Madrid), with an accompanying soundtrack. The room is darkened and the effect is hypnotic. It's the type of exhibition that rewards lengthy and multiple visits (I've plans to go back again this week). The embedded clip below is the very soothing soundtrack.

But your Zen experience doesn't end there. Did you see the speech delivered by Jess Phillips MP (Birmingham Yardley LAB) during the debate on the Immigration Bill in the House of Commons last week?

You didn't?

Well in that case you're in for a treat.

In this analysis by Anne Perkins (which includes video of all the speeches mentioned here), the speech is praised for its "wit and authenticity." Perkins also tips the hat to speeches by MPs Mhairi Black and David Lammy along with Rutger Bregman – the Dutch historian who told Davos last month to "stop talking about philanthropy and start talking about taxes." Another viral sensation in case you missed it.

Have a good week.