A phased reopening of schools from next month is all the Covid-19 Cabinet sub-committee could muster yesterday. This on the basis of NPHET advice to retain Level Five limits until April, with "tight restrictions" remaining in place 'til May. The Cabinet decides on Tuesday.

That's the same day the ICTU Public Services Committee meets to decide the fate of the new public service pay deal, and we've issued this final call to Fórsa members this morning.

The Examiner continues its dogged coverage of Robert Watt's progress towards a comfortable berth in Baggot Street while, over in the Times, Martin Wall reports extensively on health union complaints that their members are getting the least effective Covid-19 vaccine.

Elsewhere, the Tánaiste holds out the prospect of compensation for key workers, and RTÉ has the Government in talks with Aer Lingus about further supports to the airline. 

Down under, former PM Kevin Rudd explains how Murdoch rules the political roost, and the Guardian's always-excellent media analyst Emily Bell unpacks Facebook's fight with the Australian Government.

Elsewhere, Stephen Collins on Irish attacks on EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen is worth ten minutes of your time. 

It's Lee Marvin's birthday today. Zen brings you his master class on reaching number one without a note in your head. But what a lyric!

Don't waste the weekend.

Bernard