RTÉ reports that PDFORRA, which represents enlisted members of the Defence Forces, has dismissed fears about its planned affiliation to the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU). PDFORRA's conference continues today, and is set to be addressed by Minister of State for Defence Paul Kehoe, who is expected to announce the annual €1.5 million package of pay improvements for Defence Forces personnel.

ICTU has published a statement of workers rights relevant to infant feeding and which calls for better legal provision for these rights, to mark National Breastfeeding Week 2019. The Irish Independent reports that ICTU is calling for breastfeeding breaks to be extended to all workers.

RTÉ reported yesterday that Fórsa has written to the Department of Education and Skills seeking a commitment that the department will agree to utilise the services of the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) in an effort to resolve the current school secretaries’ dispute.

The Irish Times reports that HSE chief Paul Reid has issued a warning on overspending and hiring. The Times said the letter states that any part of health service spending which is higher than permitted will result in the costs being deducted from budgets for next year.

 
A status orange wind warning will be in place for Galway, Mayo, Clare, Cork, Kerry and Limerick from 6pm tomorrow evening until 3am on Friday morning, as Storm Lorenzo reaches Ireland. 

Finally, today's zen is an article recommended by my colleague Niall, on the late Jessye Norman's greatest moments.

Have a good day folks.