The 2019 Budget dominates headlines today with all of the papers carrying stories. RTÉ provides a roundup of the key points. 

There was a marked increase in funding across the areas of housing and health which was generally welcomed, however the introduction of further tax breaks for landlords was criticised by many, including ICTU general secretary Patricia King.  

Budget 2019 has also come under fire for the lack of increase in carbon tax with The Irish Times penning a critical piece this morning. The budget coincided with a report by the world’s leading climate scientists in which the science showed that the Earth is warming at an accelerating rate.

SNA's were given a boost in funding in yesterdays budget with the announcement of 950 new posts. While this has been welcomed by the union, Fórsa official Sean Carabini has called on the Department of Education and Skills to ensure fragmentation of these posts are kept to a minimum.

RTE reports that eighteen students who sat chemistry in this year’s Leaving Certificate will receive the unexpected news of a results upgrade from the State Examinations Commission.The students - who did not query their results - have benefited from a revision to the marks awarded for the paper, carried out by the SEC on foot of an appeal by one candidate.

The Oireachtas Health Committee has begun hearing from Dr Gabriel Scally on his scoping inquiry into the CervicalCheck screening programme. A minute's silence was held for the Emma Mhic Mhathúna at this morning's health committee, and other women affected by the cervical controversy who have died.

Our zen today is all about minding your mental health. October 10th is World Mental Health day which is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. Some tips outlining how you can mind your mental health can be found here.