Ireland’s reliance on a small number of major multinationals leaves the economy vulnerable and threatens the outlook for growth. That's the stark warning from the National Competitiveness Council. 

The Irish Times front page reports "With threats from Brexit and international trade and tax reforms facing the economy, the chairman of the NCC, Peter Clinch has warned that “Ireland is relying on one big engine as we fly into much stormier skies”.

Other coverage of the Dutch pilots' ballot includes this report from RTE's Ingrid Miley.

Elsewhere, a Department of Finance report appears to back ICTU's position on the 9% VAT rate in the hospitality sector. The 'dead weight' lower rate has cost €2.6bn since 2011 and last year cost almost half a billion in tax foregone.

Expect busy hoteliers with zero vacancies to be up in arms.

The Irish health system is “sleepwalking into another winter crisis” due to HSE’s inability to address the shortage of consultants, GPs, and nurses in the public service, according to the INMO and IMO. That's on the front page of The Examiner.

This morning's Zen moment combines natural history, a 115,000 volt sub station and some Led Zeppelin. And if you like that you'll enjoy the bonus Zen by clicking the image of this morning's early birds (above).

Have a good day.